Improved Access to Birth Centers: Support and New Payment Models.
This act aims to improve access to maternity care, especially in underserved areas. It introduces grants for birth centers for development and modernization, and tests new payment models for birth center services under Medicaid to reduce costs and improve the quality of care for low-risk pregnancies.
Key points
Grants for Birth Centers: Funds are available for construction, renovation, equipment purchase, and accreditation for birth centers, especially in areas with maternity care shortages.
New Medicaid Payment Rules: The act establishes a pilot program to test new, more effective payment models for birth center services for Medicaid-eligible women, potentially reducing costs and increasing access to care.
Requirements for Birth Centers: Participating centers must meet specific standards for accreditation, licensing, care coordination, and staffing (doctors and midwives).
Introduced
Citizen Poll