Keeping Obstetrics Local: Funding Hospitals and Expanding Maternal Medicaid Coverage.
This Act aims to secure access to maternity care, especially in rural areas, by significantly increasing financial support for low-volume and safety net hospitals providing labor and delivery services. It mandates 12 months of continuous, full Medicaid/CHIP coverage postpartum and introduces coordinated care models and mental health screening incentives. Citizens will benefit from greater stability of local obstetric units and comprehensive health support for mothers during the critical year following childbirth.
Key points
Rural and safety net hospitals will receive higher Medicaid payments for maternity services, including "anchor payments" to cover standby capacity costs.
Continuous, full Medicaid/CHIP coverage for pregnant individuals is mandated for 12 months postpartum.
States gain the option to establish "Maternity Health Homes" to provide comprehensive, coordinated care during pregnancy and the postpartum period.
Hospitals must provide 180 days' notice and an impact analysis before closing an obstetric unit.
The Public Health Service Corps can be deployed to areas facing urgent maternal health workforce shortages due to hospital closures.
Introduced
Citizen Poll