HF96

This bill proposes that medical assistance programs in Minnesota should cover birth services provided at home under certain conditions. It specifies that prenatal, labor, birth, and postpartum services are included, but only if they are provided by qualified professionals such as certified professional midwives, nurse-midwives, physicians, nurse practitioners, or physician assistants. The bill stipulates that the person receiving these services must be considered low-risk, which is defined by having a normal and uncomplicated prenatal course and expecting a normal and uncomplicated labor and birth, as determined by a healthcare provider. Additionally, the person must have a clear care plan, which includes a consent form acknowledging the risks and benefits of home birth, documented prenatal care to establish their low-risk status, and a plan for transfer to a hospital if necessary. The bill also outlines payment details, with professional services by eligible providers being reimbursed at the same rate as physicians, while payments for facilities used for home births will be less than those typically paid to hospitals for uncomplicated vaginal deliveries.