Access to Care
Understand when and how to talk to your health care provider if you have difficulty finding access to safe, affordable and timely health care.
Overview
What is it?
Access to care refers to the doctors and hospitals available in your area. It also includes how readily you can use them, which can be affected by many factors.
Why is it important?
The ability to get safe, affordable and timely health care is essential for protecting the health of both you and your baby. Many serious pregnancy-related problems — like high blood pressure, infections or postpartum depression — can be treated early if care is accessible. But you and other Missouri moms might live in an area:
- that is a long drive to an OB or hospital
- with a long wait to see a primary care physician
- that have little or no mental health care options
- with limited specialty care during pregnancy or postpartum, such as dental care or substance use disorder treatment
Transportation, child care needs, insurance coverage, cost concerns and other barriers can make it harder to use services that are available. If you have any challenges accessing care, talk to your doctor and care team. They can help with finding resources early and ensuring you have continuous care throughout pregnancy and the postpartum period. Access to care isn’t just a personal issue — it’s important for the health and well-being of entire families and communities.
Seeking support
If you need assistance, education or support in accessing health care in your region, please consider contacting these organizations.
Non-Emergency Medical Transportation for MO HealthNet Participants
Call your health plan.
- MO HealthNet: Call 866-269-5927
- Home State Health: Call 855-694-4663
- Show Me Healthy Kids: Call 877-236-1020
- Healthy Blue: Call 888-597-1193
- United Healthcare: Call 844-529-1801
Child Care Subsidy Assistance: Call 866-892-3228 or visit mochildcareaware.org
Missouri WIC and Nutrition Services: Call 1-800-835-5465 or visit wic.mo.gov
Resources
Articles
Surveying Missouri’s Non-Birthing Hospitals: A Look at Preparation and Capacity Building
June 4, 2026
Across Missouri, access to maternity care continues to decline — especially in rural communities. As birthing units close and maternity care deserts expand, non-birthing hospitals are increasingly...
Bringing Maternal Care Closer to Home: How HCCH and NKC Health Are Transforming Rural OB Services
November 20, 2025
Access to quality maternal care shouldn’t depend on your ZIP code. Yet for many families in rural northwest Missouri, limited health care options have long meant traveling hours for prenatal visits or...
Delivering Care Where It’s Needed Most: A Look Inside Rural Obstetrics at Scotland County Hospital
September 10, 2025
Dr. Davis-Humes is proud of the collaborative effort that has kept the OB unit open at Scotland County Hospital. In a state with growing maternity deserts, this achievement is no small feat. With nearly...
Empowering Conversations: How the Ask Me 5 Campaign Benefits Missouri Providers and Patients
April 17, 2025
In health care, communication is everything. When patients feel comfortable asking questions — and providers are equipped to answer them clearly and compassionately —the result is better care, stronger...
The Power of Home Visiting: Supporting Families for a Stronger Future
February 25, 2025
Home visiting is a free and voluntary service that pairs caregivers with trained early childhood professionals who provide guidance on a variety of topics including healthy pregnancies, child development...
Maternal and Infant Care in Rural Missouri: Challenges and Solutions
November 21, 2024
Maternal and infant care is a crucial aspect of public health, but patients living in rural areas often face unique challenges that can hinder access to quality health care. Understanding these obstacles...
