Each year, Medicaid finances 1.5 million births, which accounts for 42% of the US population. On average, each of these births costs approximately $2,200. However, patients at risk of severe maternal morbidity, representing 1.4% of these births, can cost Medicaid up to $26,000 per birth, resulting in an additional annual cost to Medicaid of $572 million. This information pertains to the obtainable market.
Over the past year, we've engaged in discussions with 356 industry professionals and stakeholders, including 58 since partnering with MIT Idea2. Notably, we've spoken with influential figures like Dr. Eric Fleeger, Co-founder of HelpSteps and TriVox. We've also had insightful conversations with Dr. Jason Hwang and Dr. Cindy Tsai from Harvard Medical School, who are now strong supporters of CareBridge.
Our interactions with experts from institutions like MassGen Hospital, Harvard, UPenn, and MIT have deepened our understanding of challenges facing BIPOC expectant mothers and the potential impact of CareBridge. Engaging with BIPOC expectant mothers and patient advocates has better prepared us to bridge information gaps and enhance the flow of crucial information in this community.