Receiving prenatal care early and throughout pregnancy can prevent and reduce the risk of complications for both the birthing parent and the baby

VANCOUVER – Clark County Public Health has learned from residents and community partners that pregnant women with Apple Health (Medicaid) insurance may be struggling to find prenatal care in Clark County. Prenatal care improves the chances of a healthy pregnancy.

All pregnant people deserve prenatal care. Receiving prenatal care early and throughout pregnancy can prevent and reduce the risk of complications for both the birthing parent and the baby. Health care providers can identify and treat problems early when they see the pregnant person regularly.

Public Health recommends the following steps for Apple Health clients who are having difficulty finding prenatal appointments when they need them:

1. Clients enrolled in managed care should call their Apple Health managed care plan to report that they have not been able to schedule an appointment with a prenatal provider. Clients can ask the care plan to help them find an appointment during their first trimester or right away if they’re seeking care after the first trimester. Clients can ask for help finding the prenatal provider type of their choice: licensed midwife, certified nurse midwife, family medicine doctor, OB/GYN, or maternal fetal medicine specialist (only for those who are considered high risk).

Here is the contact information for the managed care plans:

• Molina Healthcare of Washington: (800) 869-7165
• Wellpoint (formerly Amerigroup Washington): (833) 731-2167
• Community Health Plan of Washington: (800) 440-1561
• Coordinated Care of Washington: (253) 442-1577
• UnitedHealthcare Community Plan: (877) 542-8997
  
  2. Clients who are not enrolled in a managed care plan (i.e., fee for service coverage) or whose managed care plan is unable to get them an appointment in a timely manner can contact the Washington State Health Care Authority for additional support. 

Here is how to contact the Health Care Authority’s Medical Assistance Customer Service Center:

• Online: Secure form
• Email: askmedicaid@hca.wa.gov 
• Phone: (800) 562-3022, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday, except state holidays
• TRS: 711 through Washington Relay

Apple Health clients who previously struggled to access prenatal care in Clark County can also share their experiences with the Washington State Health Care Authority via the customer service center options listed above.

Clark County Public Health is committed to the health and wellbeing of pregnant and parenting families. Increasing access to high quality prenatal care that is comprehensive, coordinated, culturally appropriate, and adequately staffed is an ongoing priority for Public Health.

Information provided by Clark Co. WA Communications.