Bill > H1127

This bill aims to increase access to nurse-midwifery services by ensuring equal insurance coverage and reimbursement rates for certified nurse-midwives across different types of health insurance plans in Massachusetts. Specifically, the bill requires that the Group Insurance Commission, health insurance corporations, medical service plans, and health maintenance organizations provide coverage for services rendered by certified nurse-midwives (CNMs) at the same payment rate as services performed by physicians. A certified nurse-midwife is a registered nurse who has advanced training in midwifery and is authorized by the board of registration in nursing to practice in this specialized field. The bill explicitly prohibits insurers from reducing physician reimbursement rates to comply with these new requirements, thereby protecting both CNMs and physicians. By mandating equal payment and coverage, the legislation seeks to remove financial barriers that might discourage patients from choosing nurse-midwives as healthcare providers and to recognize the professional expertise of these specialized healthcare professionals.

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https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H1127