Substitute House Bill No. 7102 aims to improve maternal and infant health care in Connecticut by developing a strategic plan to increase the availability of birth centers and birthing hospitals in areas with high Medicaid recipient populations and limited access to such facilities. The Office of Health Strategy (OHS), in collaboration with the Department of Social Services (DSS) and the Department of Public Health (DPH), is tasked with identifying barriers to establishing these facilities, proposing state incentives, and evaluating best practices for sustainability. A report detailing recommendations and estimated funding needs is required by December 1, 2025.

The bill also mandates an increase in Medicaid reimbursement rates for doula services as part of maternity care, with the specifics of the rate increase not defined. Furthermore, it expands the objectives of the Connecticut Fatherhood Initiative to promote fathers' involvement in maternal health, requiring the DSS to seek federal and private funding for these initiatives. The revised structure of the CFI Council will now include a focus on expanding fathers' roles, alongside other objectives, and the bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill:
HS Joint Favorable:
File No. 408: