Effect of the Affordable Care Act on Breastfeeding Outcomes

Tami Gurley-Calvez, Lindsey Bullinger, Kandice A. Kapinos

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

26 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objectives. To assess how the 2012 Affordable Care Act (ACA) policy change, which required most private health insurance plans to cover lactation-support services and breastfeeding equipment (without cost-sharing), affected breastfeeding outcomes. Methods. We used a regression-adjusted difference-in-differences approach with cross-sectional observational data from the US National Immunization Survey from 2008 to 2014 to estimate the effect of the ACA policy change on breastfeeding outcomes, including initiation, duration, and age at first formula feeding. The sample included children aged 19 to 23 months covered by private health insurance or Medicaid. Results. The ACA policy change was associated with an increase in breastfeeding duration by 10% (0.57 months; P = .007) and duration of exclusive breastfeeding by 21% (0.74 months; P = .001) among the eligible population. Results indicate no significant effects on breastfeeding initiation and age at first formula feeding. Conclusions. Reducing barriers to receiving support services and breastfeeding equipment shows promise as part of a broader effort to encourage breastfeeding, particularly the duration of breastfeeding and the amount of time before formula supplementation.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)277-283
Number of pages7
JournalAmerican journal of public health
Volume108
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 2018
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

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