What is Prenatal Care Coordination?
Prenatal Care Coordination is a BadgerCare+ benefit that helps pregnant women get the support and services they need to have a healthy baby.
Prenatal Care Coordination services include:
Help getting the health care you need
Personal support
Information on good eating habits and health practices (health education and nutrition counseling)
Information and help finding needed services in your community
Information on pregnancy and care of a newborn
How do I know if this service is for me?
The care coordinator will help you by asking about your:
BadgerCare+ eligibility
Current pregnancy
Health history
Relationships
Worries
If you are eligible, the care coordinator will help you get the services you need. There is no co-payment for this service.
Why is BadgerCare+ doing this?
Everyone, at some time, needs a helping hand with things such as:
Locating child care
Dealing with family and friends
Emotional problems
Coping with alcohol or other drug abuse
Dealing with other problems that are bothering you
A care coordinator can help you during these times. The care coordinator will listen to your concerns and answer your questions.
Where can I find a prenatal care coordinator?
Contact one of the following to find a care coordinator near you:
If you live in Columbia County call 608-742-9227, and ask for Intake
Call the Maternal and Child Health Hotline at 1-800-722-2295
Call Wisconsin Member Services at 1-800-362-3002
Questions that a care coordinator can help you with:
When should I go to the doctor?
How will I get to the doctor?
What will labor and delivery be like?
Should I breastfeed my baby?
How does this work if I am in a Medicaid HMO?
What other community services are available to me?
A Summary of Prenatal Care Coordination in Columbia County
Research has shown that when high-risk pregnant women receive specialized and intensive education and non-medical support services throughout their pregnancy, they have improved birth outcomes (including decreased rates of low birth weight and infant mortality).
Prenatal Care Coordination includes a variety of case management services that outreach pregnant women, assess their medical and psychosocial risk factors, then plan and coordinate care that will help decrease risks, overcome barriers to receiving prenatal care, and increase their chances of having a healthy baby. Prenatal care coordination has been a BadgerCare+/Healthy Start benefit for high-risk pregnant women since 1993 and continues to be a BadgerCare+ benefit.
Examples of support services which might be included in Prenatal Care Coordination are:
Helping the women identify a prenatal care provider
Referring to resources such as housing, WIC, FoodShare, BadgerCare+/Healthy Start, Wisconsin Works (W-2), child care assistance, Food Pantry, etc.
Educating/counseling on topics such as changes during pregnancy, danger signs, healthy lifestyle choices, preparation for childbirth, infant care, and family planning options.
Assisting in locating treatment for tobacco, alcohol and other drug abuse.
Sharing resources for a safe place to be in the event of domestic abuse.
Feel free to refer or inquire about Prenatal Care Coordination in Columbia County by calling 608-742-9227.
Other Links That May Be Helpful
Wisconsin Department of Health Services