This case study uses Colorado APCD data to evaluate the state's 2014 Medicaid reimbursement policy for postpartum depression screening during well-child visits, finding that it increased billed screening rates by nearly 10 percentage points and modestly raised diagnoses and outpatient mental health treatment among Medicaid mothers — though screening reached only about one-third of births by study's end. The authors conclude that financial incentives alone are insufficient and must be paired with provider training, referral support, and expanded mental health access.
Case Study Link: Medicaid Reimbursement for Maternal Depression Screening and Care for Postpartum Depression