Meridian, a Michigan-based managed care organization and wholly-owned subsidiary of Centene Corporation, is partnering with Mae, a digital health platform that focuses on the clinical, social and cultural requirements of underserved pregnant mothers.

Mae aims to connect Meridian's Medicaid members with its network of more than 50 Michigan-based doulas for virtual and in-person support in a variety of areas, including lactation, labor education, advocacy and postpartum oversight. 

Doula is nonmedical support for pregnant people and their families prior to, during and after childbirth.

In support of Meridian members, Mae integrates a digital engagement and risk-tracking platform with community-based doula support to coordinate provider support teams and center the pregnant person throughout the perinatal period.

The main goal is to reduce disparate maternal health outcomes, along with preterm births and medically unnecessary C-sections. 

"We are pleased to offer this much-needed additional service to our eligible members and doulas," Dianalynn Smith, Meridian's vice president of quality improvement, said in a statement. 

"As a major source of coverage for low-income people, Medicaid has a critical role to play in reducing health disparities, both locally and nationally. Meridian is responsible for nearly 10%, or 1 in 9, of all births in Michigan. While pregnancy can be a beautiful journey, it can also be a very stressful time, both physically and mentally."

Smith added: "Community-based doulas provide culturally and racially resonant care through a shared background, culture and language with pregnant people."

Maya Hardigan, chief executive officer of Mae, said that over the past two years Mae has built a significant presence in Michigan by joining forces with a growing team of exceptional community-based doulas to serve the needs of Medicaid beneficiaries across the state.

"We are thrilled to launch our partnership with Meridian to expand our reach to birthing individuals in Michigan and to drive improvements in maternal health outcomes and equity. We look forward to the impact we will make together," Smith said in a statement. 

The larger trend

In 2021, Mae was launched with $1.3 million in pre-seed funding. The round was led by SteelSky Ventures with participation from Happiness Fund, Social Starts Health, Rhia Ventures, MBX Capital and Avestria Ventures.

In May, Meridian and the Centene Foundation, the philanthropic branch of Centene Corporation, announced a $1.1 million grant to the Detroit-based Neighborhood Service Organization (NSO), an integrated health and human service agency. The grant was used to support NSO's Medical Respite program, which increases access to health and recuperative care for homeless people.