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.