Improving Maternal and Infant Healthcare in Medicaid and CHIP Programs
This act aims to enhance healthcare for pregnant and postpartum women and infants by amending Medicaid and CHIP programs. It introduces new reporting standards, supports care coordination, promotes telehealth, and increases access to supportive services like doulas and community health workers. The goal is to reduce perinatal complications and improve overall maternal and child health outcomes.
Key points
Increased Data Transparency: State Medicaid programs will be required to regularly report data on maternal and perinatal health, including C-section rates, allowing for better quality monitoring.
Improved Care Coordination: Pregnant and postpartum women can access "maternity health homes" providing coordinated care, including mental and social support, throughout pregnancy and up to one year postpartum.
Support for Doulas and Community Health Workers: The act mandates studies and guidance to increase access to doula and community health worker services under Medicaid, potentially enhancing family support.
Telehealth Expansion: Pilot projects are planned to expand telehealth use in maternal and postpartum care, facilitating access to specialists, especially in rural areas.
Reducing C-Section Rates: Initiatives will be implemented to safely reduce C-section rates and promote vaginal birth after cesarean.
Collection of Social Determinants of Health Data: Medicaid and CHIP programs will gather more information on social factors influencing beneficiary health, helping to tailor care to individual needs.
Introduced
Citizen Poll