NC H321

Increases Medicaid reimbursement rate for obstetrics maternal bundle payments for pregnancy care to at least 71% of the Medicare rate, effective as soon as practicable.

Requires the Division of Health Benefits to develop an add-on rate to incentivize Medicaid beneficiary participation in group prenatal care visits, with provider payments available to those achieving participation thresholds.

Directs the Division of Health Benefits to seek Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) approval for Medicaid coverage of healthcare services provided by doulas, including development of coverage parameters, reimbursement rates, and provider credentialing requirements, with a report due to the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Medicaid by March 1, 2024.

Appropriates $2,800,000 in recurring General Fund dollars for each year of the 2023-2025 fiscal biennium to provide state match for $5,500,000 in recurring federal funds for implementation of these Medicaid-related changes.

Appropriations section effective July 1, 2023; remainder of act effective upon enactment.