#United States #Plymouth Meeting #Maternal Health #ProgenyHealth #Infant Health

ProgenyHealth 2026 Maternal & Infant Health Trends Report

ProgenyHealth, a prominent leader in maternity and NICU care management, has released its anticipated report for 2026, titled "Policy, Peril & Possibilities." This report outlines critical trends within maternal and infant health that health plans, providers, and stakeholders need to address in the upcoming year. The report comes at a time when the United States is grappling with a maternal and infant health crisis, characterized by the highest maternal mortality rate among high-income nations.

The Current Healthcare Crisis

The United States is facing a maternal health emergency exacerbated by disparities in healthcare access, policy changes on reproductive health, and a geographical shortage of maternity services. The report highlights five emerging trends that could define the future of maternal and infant health care.

Key Findings and Predictions

1. Deepening Maternal Mental Health Crisis
The report indicates a worrying trend: mental health issues are becoming leading contributors to maternal mortality in the United States. Alarmingly, 96% of potential birthing individuals reside in areas with a shortage of mental health professionals, indicating a dire need for improved mental health resources.

2. Shift in Care Models
The ongoing series of maternity service closures, particularly in rural areas, has ignited discussions around how to reconfigure perinatal and postpartum care. A notable 27 maternity service closures occurred in 2025 alone, demonstrating a pressing need to prioritize the restructuring of care models.

3. Financial Pressures and Health Policy
As insurance premiums and hospital costs rise, health plans and employers are compelled to rethink their maternity service offerings. This shift may lead to the introduction of new mandates aimed at mitigating financial burdens.

4. New Leadership in Vaccine Policies
The complex vaccine landscape in the U.S. is changing, with new sources of leadership emerging to navigate the confusing web of recommendations and mandates. A concerning one-third of surveyed Americans expressed doubts about the safety of infant vaccine protocols, emphasizing a crucial need for clear communication.

5. Potential Coverage Gaps
The report warns that premium increases may lead to coverage gaps for millions, particularly following the longest federal government shutdown in U.S. history in 2025. This situation has brought attention to the urgent need for legislative solutions regarding ACA Marketplace subsidies, yet no significant progress has been made.

Forward-Thinking Approach

As Susan Torroella, CEO of ProgenyHealth, points out, navigating through this complex landscape requires new strategies and collaboration among healthcare providers. The report advocates for concerted efforts to counter misinformation and align organizational resources to meet the evolving needs of families and communities.

Madeline Szabo, Senior Vice President of Clinical Operations at ProgenyHealth, emphasizes the necessity of clarity and collaboration in addressing these issues, stating, "While the statistics are daunting... we are currently experiencing a reimagining of what maternal and infant health can look like."

Conclusion

As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, ProgenyHealth's report serves as both a warning and a guide for stakeholders in maternal and infant health. It calls for innovative approaches and partnerships to improve outcomes one family at a time. For those interested in a deeper dive into the findings and actionable solutions, the complete report is available on the ProgenyHealth website.

Visit the ProgenyHealth Knowledge Center to explore more about the trends and strategies outlined in the report.