This bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 256B.0625, subdivision 54, to modify reimbursement rates for services provided by birth centers under the medical assistance program. The current reimbursement structure will be adjusted, with facility services paid at the lower of billed charges or 70 percent of the statewide average for hospital facility payment rates for uncomplicated vaginal births. However, this provision will expire on the effective date of the new paragraph (c), which states that effective January 1, 2027, or upon federal approval, facility services will be reimbursed at the lower of billed charges or 100 percent of the hospital facility fee cost for uncomplicated vaginal births.

Additionally, the bill introduces new provisions for reimbursement of services provided to newborns and maternity care services. Effective January 1, 2027, or upon federal approval, reimbursement for facility services provided to newborns will be at the lower of billed charges or 100 percent of the average room and board cost for a hospital stay. Furthermore, birth center providers will be reimbursed for the full range of maternity care services within their scope of practice, regardless of the place of service, and the commissioner is tasked with reviewing current reimbursement practices to ensure comprehensive maternal health services are adequately covered.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 256B.0625