NC S294

Increases Medicaid reimbursement rates 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 beneficiaries' participation in group prenatal care visits, with provider payments available for achieving specified participation levels.

Directs the Division of Health Benefits to seek Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services approval for Medicaid coverage of doula healthcare services, including developing clinical coverage policies, reimbursement rates, and provider credentialing requirements, with a reporting requirement to the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Medicaid and NC Health Choice by March 1, 2024.

Appropriates $2,800,000 in recurring state funds annually for the 2023-2025 fiscal biennium to serve as a state match for $5,500,000 in recurring federal funds for implementing these Medicaid-related changes.

Effective date: Section 2 (appropriations) is effective July 1, 2023; remaining provisions effective upon enactment.