Dive Brief:
- A new California law aims to save money and expand provider choices available to low-income women for pregnancy and childbirth.
- Senate Bill 407, signed this week by Gov. Jerry Brown (D), allows licensed midwives to provide comprehensive services to Medi-Cal patients.
- An analysis of the bill suggess a birth with a licensed midwife, at a home or birth center, is up to 80% less expensive than a hospital birth.
Dive Insight:
The law appears to be a win-win in reducing healthcare costs while also providing patients a sought-after option.
“We are thrilled that, thanks to the passage of SB 407, California families of all income levels will have increased access to licensed midwives and the low-cost, high-value care that they provide in birth centers and home births,” said Sarah Davis of the California Association of Midwives, which sponsored the bill.
California state law allows licensed midwives to practice without physician supervision, with a scope of practice that includes managing cases of normal pregnancy and childbirth, obtaining supplies and devices, and administering drugs and diagnostic testing.
Under the new law, midwives can serve as providers in the Comprehensive Perinatal Services Program for women covered by Medi-Cal.