UC Merced Undergraduate Research Journal

The Great Recession had a profound impact on healthcare access, particularly for marginalized communities. This period of economic downturn highlighted the urgent need for healthcare reform. Although the Affordable Care Act (ACA) was not a direct response to the recession, the financial uncertainty it created led to a surge in Medicaid enrollment, contributing to the official passage of the ACA in 2010. Medicaid expansion improved healthcare access for low-income individuals, particularly pregnant women, by increasing coverage and access to essential maternal health services. However, disparities in maternal morbidity and mortality persist, with Black women facing significantly higher risks of pregnancy-related complications than white women. While previous research has explored the ACA’s impact on healthcare access, limited attention has been given to how insurance type (public vs. private) affects maternal morbidity and birth outcomes, particularly after the 2014 Medicaid expansion. This study examines the relationship between insurance coverage and maternal health outcomes, highlighting existing disparities and assessing whether public insurance expansion has mitigated adverse maternal health effects. By addressing these gaps, this research contributes to policy discussions aimed at improving maternal healthcare quality and reducing inequities in health outcomes.