High-risk pregnant individuals in areas of the state with higher than average Medicaid costs associated with poor birth outcomes and with higher than average numbers of Medicaid individuals delivering premature infants are enrolled in the Better Birth Outcomes (BBO) program.
BBO offers a standardized prenatal education curriculum that emphasizes the importance of regular prenatal medical care visits, home visits each trimester active in the program, and monthly engagement with the BBO case manager for continued prenatal education; care coordination and communication with the client's prenatal medical provider. The program's emphasis on reproductive life planning and health benefits associated with the delay of subsequent pregnancy impacts Illinois' infant mortality rate and rates of prematurity in Medicaid-eligible pregnant individuals. Individuals are enrolled in BBO through the duration of pregnancy up to six weeks postpartum. Because the pregnant individuals that are the target population for these services are not individuals who typically tend to seek out early prenatal medical care or other needed services, BBO programs are expected to develop an annual outreach plan.
Services provided include but are not limited to:
- Delivery of the Department's standardized Prenatal Health Education Curriculum in its provision of prenatal education to all enrolled individuals according to the BBO Prenatal Education Curriculum Guide.
- Services to clients who reside in the targeted geographic area designated by the Department.
- A comprehensive needs assessment and have a case management care plan developed within forty-five (45) calendar days of enrollment with appropriate referrals.
- Referral of all BBO individuals and infants born to BBO individuals who may be income-eligible to the WIC program.
- Provision of one home visit per trimester of pregnancy that they are active in the program.
- Provision of a minimum of one face-to-face contact per month of enrollment in the program .
- Communication directly with the Medicaid Managed Care Organization (MMCO) on behalf of the client to assist in arranging transportation when necessary.
Contacts
Bureau Page: Maternal and Child Health
Email: Bureau of Maternal & Child Health
Information & Resources
Manuals
