New Study Examines Postpartum Hospital Use Among Medicaid Patients

Research from University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine provides insights into postpartum care for birthing individuals with Medicaid insurance.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 6:55pm

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A new study from researchers at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine analyzed Medicaid claims data to examine postpartum hospital use among birthing individuals with Medicaid insurance. The study found that 20.7% of this population had postpartum hospital use within the first year after giving birth, with a higher proportion of hospital use occurring after the typical 30-day postpartum analysis window.

Why it matters

Individuals with Medicaid insurance are more likely to experience pregnancy-related complications compared to those with private insurance. This study highlights the need to better understand postpartum hospital use in the Medicaid population, as 40% of births in the United States occur among this group.

The details

The researchers analyzed Medicaid claims data to examine time to the first instance of postpartum hospital use during the postpartum year, as well as the causes of postpartum hospital use at different postpartum time periods. They found that a higher proportion of postpartum hospital use occurred after the typical 30-day postpartum analysis window, and that the causes of postpartum hospital use shifted away from delivery-related causes over time.

  • The study analyzed data from 2026.

The players

University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine

The institution where the research was conducted.

Sarah M. Lindley

Lead author of the study, from the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine and the Division of Neonatology at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities

The organization that provided financial support for the research.

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What they’re saying

“Among 1,626,056 birthing individuals, 20.7% had postpartum hospital use at 1 year postpartum. We found a higher proportion of postpartum hospital use after the typical 30-day postpartum analysis window than within the initial 30 days postpartum, with causes of postpartum hospital use shifting away from delivery-related causes over time.”

— Sarah M. Lindley, Researcher (Obstetrics & Gynecology)

The takeaway

This study highlights the need for improved postpartum care and monitoring for individuals with Medicaid insurance, as a significant proportion experienced postpartum hospital use beyond the typical 30-day window, with shifting causes over time. Understanding the unique needs of this population is crucial given that 40% of births in the U.S. occur among Medicaid recipients.