Bill > HR3942

This bill, known as the Keeping Obstetrics Local Act, aims to address challenges in maternal healthcare, particularly in rural and underserved areas. The bill includes several key provisions: first, it requires states to conduct comprehensive studies on the costs of providing maternity, labor, and delivery services, with a focus on hospitals in rural areas and those serving high-Medicaid populations. The bill mandates increased Medicaid payment rates for eligible hospitals providing these services, with a minimum payment rate set at 150% of Medicare rates in 2027, and subsequent rates adjusted based on actual costs. Additionally, the bill introduces "anchor payments" for low-volume obstetric hospitals to help them maintain essential maternal health services. The legislation also expands coverage by requiring 12-month continuous Medicaid and CHIP coverage for pregnant individuals, creates optional "maternity health homes" to provide coordinated care, increases support for depression and anxiety screening, and streamlines provider enrollment across state lines. Furthermore, the bill invests in the maternal healthcare workforce by supporting the Public Health Service Commissioned Corps and mandating that hospitals provide advance notice and data about obstetric unit closures. These comprehensive measures aim to improve access, quality, and sustainability of maternal healthcare services, particularly in areas at risk of losing such critical services.

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https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/3942/all-info