Bill Summaries: S 732 CREATE MEDICAID ACCESS TO DOULA SERVICES.

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  • Summary date: May 13 2020 - View Summary

    Directs the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Division of Health Benefits (DHB), to submit an amendment to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) adding coverage under the Medicaid State Plan for antepartum, intrapartum, and postpartum services provided to a pregnant recipient by a doula. Requires the coverage to include labor and delivery support for at least four visits during the antenatal period and seven visits during the postpartum period. Requires the described coverage to begin August 1, 2021.

    Appropriates $500,000 in nonrecurring funds from the General Fund to DHB for the 2020-21 fiscal year to make necessary changes to the NCTracks Medicaid Management Information System to add the described coverage and to enroll new providers of that coverage.

    Directs DHB to study seven specified components in preparation for the addition of the described coverage, including (1) the necessary qualifications possessed by a doula in order to be enrolled as a provider, (2) the appropriate rate schedule for the new coverage, and (3) any anticipated costs and savings to the Medicaid Program that may be incurred or achieved by providing coverage for services provided by a doula. Directs DHB to submit a study report by April 1, 2021, to the specified NCGA committee chairs and division. Requires inclusion of a copy of the State Plan amendment required by the act, including the proposed reimbursement methodology to be used.