This bill increases federal funding to help states improve maternal health care services through Medicaid. Here's what it does: Starting in 2025, the federal government will cover 90 percent of any new money states spend on maternal health services beyond what they were spending in 2019. This is meant to encourage states to expand and improve the quality of pregnancy and postpartum care.

The bill defines maternal health services broadly to include prenatal care, labor and delivery, postpartum care (covering the full year after pregnancy), mental health support during pregnancy and after birth, telehealth visits, home visits, and services from various providers like doctors, midwives, nurse practitioners, doulas, and community health workers. States can also use the funds to pay for services from lactation consultants, nutritionists, and social workers who support pregnant people and new mothers.

To receive this extra federal money, states must promise to use it to add new services rather than replace existing funding, and they must focus on increasing access, improving quality, and making services more efficient. This is designed to address maternal health disparities and give more pregnant people access to comprehensive care during one of the most important periods of their lives.

Advancing Maternal Health Equity Under Medicaid Act

Manning, Kathy E.

Advancing Maternal Health Equity Under Medicaid Act This bill provides a 90% federal matching rate for Medicaid maternal health care expenditures that exceed 2019 levels. Qualifying services must be provided by maternity care providers or perinatal health workers (e.g., doulas) and include prenatal and postpartum telehealth services, home visits, and behavioral health care.