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 plan for transfer to a hospital if necessary.

The bill also stipulates payment structures for these services, ensuring that professional services provided by eligible providers are reimbursed at 100% of the rate paid to physicians for similar services. Facility services related to home births will be reimbursed 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 either the billed charges or 15% of the statewide average for hospital services for uncomplicated vaginal deliveries.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 256B.0625