Sec. 5. MACPAC report and CMS guidance on increasing access to doula care for Medicaid beneficiaries
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/bill/115/s/3494/is/section-5A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.
Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission (referred to in this section as MACPAC ) shall publish a report on the coverage of doula care under State Medicaid programs, which shall at a minimum include the following: Information about coverage for doula care under State Medicaid programs that currently provide coverage for such care, including the type of doula care offered (such as prenatal, labor and delivery, and postpartum care).
An analysis of barriers to covering doula care under State Medicaid programs. An identification of effective strategies to increase the use of doula care in order to provide better care and achieve better maternal and infant health outcomes. Recommendations for legislative and administrative actions to increase access to doula care in State Medicaid programs. In developing the report required under paragraph (1), MACPAC shall consult with relevant stakeholders, including— States; organizations representing consumers, including those that are disproportionately impacted by poor maternal health outcomes; organizations and individuals representing doula care providers, including those who serve underserved communities; and organizations representing health care providers.
Not later than 1 year after the date that MACPAC publishes the report required under subsection (a)(1), the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services shall issue guidance to States on increasing access to doula care under Medicaid. Such guidance shall at a minimum include— options for States to provide medical assistance for doula care services under State Medicaid programs; best practices for ensuring that doulas receive reimbursement for doula care services provided under a State Medicaid program, which may include allowing organizations such as doula collectives to receive reimbursement directly for doula care services provided under the State Medicaid program; and best practices for increasing access to doula care services under State Medicaid programs.
In developing the guidance required under paragraph (1), the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services shall consult with MACPAC and other relevant stakeholders, including— State Medicaid officials; organizations representing consumers, including those that are disproportionately impacted by poor maternal health outcomes; organizations representing doula care providers, including those who serve underserved communities; and organizations representing health care professionals.