Bill > HR5202

This bill, known as the "BABIES Act", aims to address maternity care shortages and improve access to birth center services through two primary mechanisms. First, the bill establishes grant funding of $5 million for fiscal years 2026-2030 to support birth centers in underserved areas, providing up to 15 centers with grants between $300,000 and $500,000 to help with facility renovation, equipment purchases, and accreditation efforts. Priority will be given to birth centers located in areas with maternity care provider shortages or poor maternity care outcomes. Second, the bill creates a Medicaid demonstration program to explore more effective payment models for birth center services, involving up to 6 states over 4 years. The demonstration will develop criteria for birth center participation, establish prospective payment systems, and require annual reporting to Congress on clinical outcomes and cost impacts. The program will focus on low-risk pregnancies and aims to improve access to maternity care in underserved areas while potentially reducing overall healthcare costs. By supporting birth centers and testing innovative payment approaches, the bill seeks to expand and improve maternity care options for women, particularly in regions with limited healthcare resources.

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https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/5202/all-info