This bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 256B.0625, to require medical assistance to cover birth services provided at home. A new subdivision, Subd. 54a, is added to define the criteria for coverage, which includes that the birth services must be provided by an eligible provider, such as a certified professional midwife or physician, and that the recipient must be deemed a low-risk patient for birth services. Additionally, a plan of care must be established, including a consent form, adequate prenatal care documentation, and a transfer plan to a hospital if necessary.

The bill also stipulates payment rates for services related to home births. Professional services provided by eligible providers will be reimbursed at 100% of the rate paid to physicians for the same services, while facility services for home births will be paid at 70% of the statewide average for hospital facility payment rates for uncomplicated vaginal deliveries. If a recipient is transported to a hospital before delivery, the payment for facility services will be capped at the lower of billed charges or 15% of the statewide average for such services.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 256B.0625