Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts (BCBS MA) is significantly expanding its women’s health offerings, launching several initiatives focused on maternal care, menopause support, and caregiving resources.
The organization has introduced a new doula pilot program in partnership with Accompany Doula Care, aimed at addressing racial inequities in maternal care. The program connects eligible members with birth doulas, providing support throughout pregnancy, birth, and postpartum periods. This initiative responds to BCBS MA’s Health Equity Report findings showing Black women face disproportionately higher rates of severe maternal health complications.
“Our aspiration is to be the best plan for women’s health in the country, and that means thinking holistically about what women and families want and need,” said Sarah Iselin, BCBS MA’s president and CEO.
Recognizing the growing need for menopause care, BCBS MA has made Maven Clinic’s Menopause & Midlife Health program available at no cost to fully-insured accounts with 51+ members. The organization is also addressing caregiving challenges by partnering with Cleo to offer comprehensive family care support starting January 2025, acknowledging that over 60% of women serve as caregivers.
Internally, BCBS MA has declared itself a menopause-friendly workplace and established “Beyond the Pause,” an internal support group led by their in-house OB-GYN and nurse practitioner. The organization has also expanded employee access to Maven Clinic’s programs, covering services from fertility treatments to postpartum support.
“We want our members to feel supported and cared for during every stage of their health journey, from adolescence through maternity, postpartum and menopause,” explained Dr. Monica Ruehli, BCBS MA’s clinical director of reproductive health and gender affirming services.
These initiatives complement BCBS MA’s existing Reproductive Health Care team, which provides personalized support and resources for various women’s health issues, including family planning and maternal care services.
