Presentation (CTI)

OBJECTIVES: To estimate the cost-effectiveness of extending eligibility for the WIC program to 12 months for new mothers in preventing the likelihood of self-reported Postpartum depression (PPD).
METHODS: Population of 5,919 mothers who responded to the PRAMS survey was used as study sample. The courses of action were: Maintain WIC eligibility at 6 months for new mothers (categorized by mothers who were not actively breastfeeding their infants) and Increase WIC eligibility to 12 months for new mothers (categorized by mothers who were actively breastfeeding their infants). The effectiveness measure was the likelihood of PPD among mothers who received WIC for 12 months compared to 6 months and the cost measure was USDA’s expended cost of WIC up to 6 months and 12 months for a non-breastfeeding mother and a breastfeeding mother. A binary variable was generated to reflect 0 if mother neither breastfed or breastfed less than 8 weeks (6-month WIC eligibility) and 1 if mother breastfed more than 8 weeks (12-month WIC eligibility). It was impossible to determine mothers who breastfed up to 12 months using available data, we assumed that mothers who actively breastfed at 8 weeks would continue breastfeeding up to 12 months. A logistic regression model estimated the impact of WIC on self-reported PPD, controlling for covariates. Margin effect determined the percentage likelihood of PPD.
RESULTS: Using the margin effect estimate, mothers who received WIC up to 12 months are 2.3% less likely to report postpartum depression compared to mothers who received WIC for 6 months when other factors are held constant. Calculated ICER was $446.66, compared to the monthly cost for the treatment of maternal health disorders, this is considered cost-effective.
CONCLUSIONS: Treatment cost for PMADs cost Medicaid $901.95 monthly in 2017. WIC coverage up to 12 months is cost-effective in reducing likelihood of PPD, saving treatment costs.