CMS adopts maternal health care model

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services will implement a 10-year payment and delivery model to improve maternal health care. State Medicaid agencies can apply next spring to participate in the Transforming Maternal Health Model, which uses a whole-person approach to pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum care for women with Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program coverage. It aims to improve health outcomes and increase access to midwives, birth centers and doula services. CMS will select up to 15 states to receive up to $17 million to implement the model. The selected states will collaborate with managed care entities and care providers starting in 2028, with participating hospitals having an opportunity to achieve the CMS “Birthing-Friendly” designation. (CMS news release, 12/15/23)