“I am busy enough…”: Navigating challenges experienced by Medicaid providers serving pregnant people living with substance use disorders in Alabama

Purpose Perinatal substance use is a clinical and public health concern. The purpose of the study was to understand the perspectives and experiences of perinatal healthcare providers serving pregnant people who receive Medicaid and are living with a substance use disorder. Design and methods We conducted a secondary data analysis of the responses from perinatal healthcare providers who completed a survey to assess the state of Alabama’s capability to effectively identify and treat individuals with substance use disorder. We analyzed short answer responses using consensus coding. Findings Nine‐hundred and ninety‐five Medicaid providers completed the survey, 36 of the respondents identified that they were employed in an obstetric practice. Health insurance limitations, a lack of time and resources, and limited treatment options were the primary barriers indicated in the participants' responses. Conclusions Structural and health system barriers negatively impact the capacity of perinatal healthcare providers in Alabama to serve pregnant people who receive Medicaid and are living with a substance use disorder. Clinical relevance Perinatal healthcare providers need educational opportunities, training, and up‐to‐date resources to provide supportive, comprehensive care programming for perinatal populations with substance use disorders.