A new New York State Health Foundation (NYSHealth) report examines variation in what is paid for childbirth in each of the five boroughs of New York City in 2017, using data on vaginal and cesarean deliveries in the Health Care Cost Institute commercial claims database. It also explores how much could be saved if price caps were used to reduce prices.
The price of childbirth in New York City varies multifold, depending on where a woman delivers. This variation in price across boroughs, and across providers within boroughs, might make sense if it corresponded to higher-quality care. But higher prices do not always signify better quality.
The report highlights some models being tested in New York State and throughout the country to protect expectant mothers from high prices while ensuring they receive high-quality maternity care. These models can also be used to address excess price variation for other health care services.
Contact: info@nyshealth.org.