Association of the US Affordable Care Act-Dependent Coverage Provision With Labor Neuraxial Analgesia Use

Abstract

(Anesthesiology. 2023;139:274–286) Neuraxial analgesia during labor is both safe and effective and has been associated with a lower risk of severe maternal morbidity. However, utilization is lower in minority groups, who experience a higher risk of severe maternal morbidity. Therefore, it is imperative to increase utilization and access, especially among minority ethnic and racial groups. This study examined the factor of health insurance access, specifically the effect of the Dependent Coverage Provision for the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act on the use of neuraxial analgesia during labor, both in women from minority groups and overall.