S.2059 - Keeping Obstetrics Local Act (119th Congress)
Summary
S.2059, the Keeping Obstetrics Local Act, aims to enhance financial support for rural and safety-net hospitals providing maternity care, expand maternal healthcare coverage, invest in the maternal healthcare workforce, and improve data collection and transparency regarding obstetric services. The bill amends Titles XIX and XXI of the Social Security Act to achieve these goals. It introduces measures such as state studies on maternity care costs, adequate Medicaid payment rates for eligible hospitals, increased federal financial participation, and anchor payments for low-volume obstetric hospitals.
Expected Effects
The Act is likely to improve access to maternity care, particularly in rural areas, by increasing financial support for hospitals and providers. It will also expand coverage for pregnant individuals under Medicaid and CHIP, ensuring continuous, full-benefit coverage for 12 months postpartum. Furthermore, it mandates data collection and public communication regarding obstetric unit closures, promoting transparency and informed decision-making.
Potential Benefits
- Increased financial support for rural and safety-net hospitals, ensuring the availability of maternity services in underserved areas.
- Expanded Medicaid and CHIP coverage for pregnant individuals, providing continuous healthcare access for 12 months postpartum.
- Investments in the maternal healthcare workforce, addressing staffing shortages and improving the quality of care.
- Enhanced data collection and transparency regarding hospital obstetric unit closures, enabling communities to prepare for service gaps.
- Improved access to services provided by doulas and other maternal health professionals.
Potential Disadvantages
- Increased federal spending on Medicaid and CHIP, potentially leading to higher taxes or cuts in other programs.
- Potential administrative burden on states to implement the new requirements and data collection processes.
- Possible unintended consequences of anchor payments, such as incentivizing unnecessary services.
- Risk of fraud, waste, or abuse in the expanded Medicaid and CHIP programs.
- Potential for increased healthcare costs due to higher payment rates for maternity services.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the Constitution's General Welfare Clause (Preamble) by promoting the health and well-being of pregnant individuals and infants. It also falls under Congress's power to tax and spend for the general welfare. The Tenth Amendment reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states, but the federal government can incentivize state action through funding and regulation of programs like Medicaid and CHIP.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).