December 9, 2025
When Jennifer Kemak, a mom from Clifton Springs, Ontario County, needed support during her pregnancy, local resources made all the difference.
Her story is a powerful reminder that maternal health isn’t just about medical care – it’s about connection, trust, and access to the right help at the right time.
Closing the gaps with data and partnerships
Did you know nearly 1 in 4 pregnant people in the U.S. don’t receive adequate prenatal care – and more than half miss their postpartum checkup? That’s a serious concern, because skipping these critical appointments can lead to major health risks before, during, and after childbirth.
That’s why at Excellus BlueCross BlueShield our Maternal Health Improvement Team is working to change that, using Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set or HEDIS Measures that include:
- Prenatal Care
- Postpartum Care
- Prenatal Immunizations (T-DAP and Influenza)
- Postpartum Depression Screenings and Follow-Up
Through a coordinated care approach, the improvement team is helping close gaps and improve outcomes for moms across all lines of business. This year, nearly 76% of our maternal members received prenatal care, and 70% got postpartum support. Going into 2026, we’re working hard to raise those numbers even higher.
Why rural access matters
Access to care in rural communities can be severely limited. One of the most critical shortages is in obstetrician-gynecologist (OBGYN) physicians; for example, Yates County has none, and across the health plans’ 16 rural counties, there is only one OBGYN for every 23,000 residents.
One way we are doing this is by supporting community-based organizations like Child and Family Resources’ Healthy Families program of Ontario, Yates and Seneca Counties that specifically focus on maternal health.
Jennifer’s story shows what happens when healthcare and community come together: healthier moms, healthier babies, and stronger families.
Contact:
Lynn Wesley
Lynn.Wesley@Excellus.com
