This report presents insights from a 2025 survey of approximately 2,500 individuals who gave birth in the prior two years, focusing on those with employer-sponsored insurance (ESI) and Medicaid coverage. The findings highlight the potential for midwifery care to improve maternal health outcomes and reduce costs for employers and health plans, while also identifying barriers and opportunities for expanding midwife utilization in the ESI market.
Key Findings:
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Midwife Use Remains Low Despite High Interest:
Fewer than 1 in 5 individuals with ESI coverage had a midwife as part of their care team, even though 66% of those not currently using a midwife expressed interest in doing so for future pregnancies.
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Better Outcomes with Midwifery Care:
Birthing individuals who received care from midwives experienced lower c-section rates and were more likely to have their postpartum mental health needs met compared to those with traditional obstetrician-led care.
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Distinct Demographic Patterns:
Midwife use was higher among experienced parents, those with higher education and income, urban residents, and individuals of Hispanic or Non-Hispanic Other race/ethnicity.
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Barriers to Uptake:
Key obstacles include lack of clarity about insurance coverage, limited awareness of midwifery care, and challenges navigating the health care system.
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High Demand and Need for Education:
Half of ESI-covered individuals not currently using midwives are both familiar with and interested in midwifery care, while another 17% are interested but need more information.
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Role for Employers and Carriers:
Employers, carriers, and providers can play a pivotal role by clarifying insurance coverage, educating employees about midwifery care, and improving navigation to midwife providers and supportive hospitals.
Recommendations from Morgan Health:
- Clarify and expand insurance coverage for midwife care in ESI plans.
- Proactively educate employees and plan members about the benefits and scope of midwifery care.
- Support birthing individuals in navigating health care systems and provider networks to access midwife services.
- Ensure adequate supply and access to midwifery care to meet growing demand.
By addressing these barriers and leveraging the demonstrated benefits of midwifery care, employers and health plans may enhance maternal health outcomes and deliver greater value for their health care investments.
Download the Midwifery Report