The Louisiana Legislature is urging the Louisiana Department of Health to apply for participation in the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Transforming Maternal Health (TMaH) Model, which was announced on December 15, 2023. This initiative aims to enhance maternal health care for individuals enrolled in Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) by adopting a comprehensive approach to pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care. The TMaH Model focuses on addressing physical and mental health needs, reducing disparities in access and treatment, and improving outcomes for mothers and newborns while also aiming to lower overall program costs.

The TMaH Model is structured around three key pillars: improving access to care and workforce capacity, enhancing quality and safety, and delivering whole-person care. It includes initiatives such as increasing access to midwives and doulas, improving prenatal care for chronic conditions, and extending postpartum Medicaid and CHIP coverage to twelve months. The model features a three-year preimplementation phase followed by a seven-year implementation period, during which states will receive technical assistance to meet necessary milestones. Applications for participation are due in Summer 2024, and the resolution calls for the Louisiana Department of Health to take action in this regard.