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JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - May 6, 2026
Reaffirming its commitment to improving maternal health outcomes, Florida Blue, the state’s leading health insurer, is increasing access to maternal health and well-being support through Canopie, a digital program available at no additional cost to eligible high-risk pregnant and postpartum members. The expansion comes as the nation observes Maternal Mental Health Week (May 4–10), which spotlights the often unmet emotional and mental health needs of new and expecting mothers.
Why it matters:
Mental health conditions are the leading cause of pregnancy-related death in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which also finds that more than 80% of all pregnancy-related deaths are preventable.* In 2025, nearly 65% of Florida Blue members who were pregnant were considered high-risk, which is associated with 58% greater likelihood of adverse outcomes and 21% higher health care costs. For mothers in maternity care deserts and under-resourced communities, access to care can be even harder to find.
“The statistics are deeply troubling, and the urgency has never been clearer. Across Florida we’re seeing the same challenges reflected nationwide including high maternal mortality, high preterm birth rates, and widening gaps in access to care,” said Dr. Kelli Tice, vice president of medical affairs & chief health improvement officer at Florida Blue. “Maternal mental health is also an urgent concern, with consequences that can span generations. Through Canopie, we’re working to support mothers where they are, by walking with them during the most vulnerable phases of pregnancy and postpartum.”
By the numbers:
- 23.8% of moms in Florida received inadequate prenatal care and 19.4% of the counties are considered maternity care deserts, earning Florida a D+ from the March of Dimes
- ~65% of pregnant Florida Blue members in 2025 were considered high-risk, due to factors like chronic health conditions, age, and lack of access to maternal care resources
- 58% greater likelihood of adverse outcomes for high-risk pregnancies
- 21% increase in higher health care costs associated with high-risk pregnancies
- 10,500+ estimated eligible Florida Blue members who can access Canopie at no extra cost
- 79% of Canopie participants with elevated depression symptoms experience clinically significant mood improvement
- 98% of participants who completed the self-guided Canopie program report improvement in emotional health
The details:
Florida Blue has long prioritized maternal health through its Healthy Addition® program, which has evolved to provide personalized, nurse-led care management to pregnant members with complex needs. To address growing demand, Florida Blue piloted Canopie in 2024, achieving especially strong engagement among high-risk mothers. Building on these results, Florida Blue officially launched Canopie in January 2026, making it available to an estimated 10,500 eligible fully-insured members.
Canopie is a user-friendly, app-based platform offering personalized emotional, mental, and physical health support – including coaching, virtual classes, peer support, and care coordination – available in multiple languages. Combining Healthy Addition® and Canopie creates a comprehensive and tiered approach to reach mothers at every level of risk.
“Being pregnant with my third baby, I didn't expect to feel so much anxiety this time – but Canopie gave me a calm, outside perspective I couldn't get from family or friends. Having someone validate what I was going through made all the difference,” said Madeline, a Florida Blue member and Canopie participant. “The support was always there when I needed it, and it genuinely helped me manage my stress and feel more prepared.”
Florida Blue’s commitment extends beyond its members. This year, the Florida Blue Foundation awarded $3.5 million in grants to nine nonprofit programs across the state, expanding access to doula care, in-home visits, mental health services, and chronic condition support – reaching mothers in their communities, not just their doctor’s offices.
Go deeper:
Learn more about Florida Blue’s maternal health programs, the Florida Blue Foundation’s community investments, and GuideWell’s community impact.
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About Florida Blue
Driven by its mission of helping people and communities achieve better health, Florida Blue is the leading health insurer in Florida, and part of GuideWell, a not-for-profit health services company. Florida Blue offers a range of health plans and personalized care programs for individuals, families, businesses of all sizes, and Medicare beneficiaries. For over 80 years, the organization has been member centric and committed to making health care as accessible and affordable as possible. Serving more than six million members across all 67 Florida counties, Florida Blue has more than 7,000 employees and is headquartered in Jacksonville, Fla., is owned by its policyholders, and is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.
For additional information visit FloridaBlue.com.
For the latest news and content, visit the Florida Blue Newsroom, and follow Florida Blue on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram @Florida.Blue; and X (formerly Twitter) @FLBlue.
About Canopie
Canopie is a digital platform dedicated to proactively improving a mother’s emotional and physical well-being during pregnancy and postpartum. Developed with perinatal clinical psychologists, physicians, researchers, and mothers, Canopie offers evidence-based mental health programs using cognitive behavioral, interpersonal, and compassion-focused therapy techniques, supported by clinician coaches. Recognized as an American Academy of Pediatrics STAR Center resource for postpartum depression. Available in English and Spanish. Learn more at canopie.health.
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