H.R. 3202: Maternal and Infant Delivery Wellness and Integration with Vital Expertise Support for S… (119th Congress) Bill Summary

This bill, known as the Maternal and Infant Delivery Wellness and Integration with Vital Expertise Support for Service Members Act of 2025, aims to introduce a pilot program within the TRICARE healthcare system to provide midwifery services to eligible military families. Below is a detailed overview of the key components of the bill:

Establishment of a Pilot Program

The bill mandates the Secretary of Defense to initiate a five-year pilot program that will make midwifery services available to covered beneficiaries under the TRICARE program. This program must begin within one year of the bill's enactment.

Potential for Permanent Program

After the pilot program concludes, if the Secretary of Defense determines it to have been successful, there is the possibility of establishing a permanent program that continues to offer midwifery services to beneficiaries.

Reporting Requirements

The bill requires the Secretary of Defense to provide several reports related to the pilot program:

Implementation Report: Within 180 days of enactment, outlining a plan for the pilot program.
Annual Reports: Starting one year after the pilot begins, and annually until one year post-termination, the Secretary must report on various metrics including:
- Costs associated with the program and cost per beneficiary.
- Number of beneficiaries receiving care.
- Demographic information about beneficiaries such as race, ethnicity, age, and military occupation.
- Assessment of quality of care, including maternal and fetal outcomes.
- Patient satisfaction levels among beneficiaries.
- Access to care, measured by wait times and travel times.
- Effectiveness of the program and recommendations for adjustments.
- Estimated cost savings resulting from improved outcomes.
- Suggestions for possible continuation or expansion of the program.

Definitions

The bill defines important terms such as:

Covered Beneficiary: Individuals eligible for services under the TRICARE program.
Covered Midwife: A certified professional midwife or certified midwife who meets international standards and state law requirements for midwifery practice.

Goals of the Bill

The overarching objectives of this legislation are to enhance the healthcare options available to military families, specifically during pregnancy and childbirth, and to potentially improve maternal and infant health outcomes through the integration of professional midwifery services.