Sec. 5. MACPAC report and CMS guidance on increasing access to doula care for Medicaid beneficiaries
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/bill/116/hr/2602/ih/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, postpartum support, and also community-based and traditional doula 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, including strategies that States may use to recruit, train, and certify a diverse doula workforce, particularly from underserved communities, communities of color, and communities facing linguistic or cultural barriers. Recommendations for legislative and administrative actions to increase access to doula care in State Medicaid programs, including actions that ensure doulas may earn a living wage that accounts for their time and costs associated with providing care.
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 community-based doula programs and those who serve underserved communities, including communities of color, and communities facing linguistic or cultural barriers; 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, including community-based doulas, receive reimbursement for doula care services provided under a State Medicaid program, at a level that allows doulas to earn a living wage that accounts for their time and costs associated with providing care; and best practices for increasing access to doula care services, including services provided by community-based doulas, 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 community-based doulas and those who serve underserved communities, such as communities of color and communities facing linguistic or cultural barriers; and organizations representing health care professionals.