Modeling the impact of decreasing waiting period length for Medicaid sterilization: A multi-site cohort study.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the impact of length of the Medicaid sterilization waiting period and postpartum permanent contraception fulfillment.

STUDY

DESIGN

Simulations from a retrospective cohort study estimating the potential increase in permanent contraception within 365 days of delivery.

RESULTS

In our sample of 2076 patients, 61% achieved permanent contraception with the current waiting period of 30 days. With the waiting period hypothetically reduced to 15, 3, 1, and 0 days, 62.9%, 63.7%, 64.5%, and 75% patients, respectively, would have achieved permanent contraception.

CONCLUSIONS

As potential Medicaid sterilization policy revisions are considered, understanding the impact on fulfillment rates is critical.