H.R. 3942: Keeping Obstetrics Local Act

The "Keeping Obstetrics Local Act" focuses on improving maternity care, particularly in rural areas and for underserved populations. It aims to provide better financial support to rural and safety net hospitals that offer maternity services through enhanced Medicaid payment rates and increased federal funding. The bill includes requirements for reporting and collecting data to evaluate the costs involved and improve access to maternal healthcare.

Key Provisions

• The act amends the Social Security Act to strengthen maternal health care. This includes extending Medicaid and CHIP (Children's Health Insurance Program) coverage for mothers up to 12 months after giving birth.
• It supports health home services specifically designed for pregnant individuals to ensure comprehensive care.
• The bill requires depression and anxiety screenings for pregnant individuals, recognizing the importance of mental health in maternal care.
• It introduces a process of presumptive eligibility for pregnant individuals, allowing them to access care more quickly.

Addressing Health Facility Challenges

The bill also seeks to address urgent maternal health care needs stemming from the closure of health facilities or a decline in trained healthcare workers. It empowers the Secretary of Health and Human Services to deploy personnel to regions experiencing such challenges to assist local facilities. This includes improving operational procedures and easing the enrollment process for out-of-state maternity service providers to ensure that individuals have access to necessary care.

Goals of the Bill

• To enhance the financial viability of rural hospitals and ensure they can provide maternity care effectively.
• To increase accessibility to maternal health services for expecting and new mothers.
• To systematically address and monitor maternal health needs through data collection and reporting.

Relevant Companies

• None found