North Carolina S536 mandates equal maternity care benefits and home birth coverage in health plans.

North Carolina S536, the Birth Freedom Act, requires health benefit plans to provide maternity care benefits no less favorable than those for physical illness. It ensures coverage for home births and births at birthing centers under qualified healthcare supervision. The Department of Health and Human Services must ensure Medicaid beneficiaries have access to these services, with reimbursement at 90% of the average commercial rate. The State Health Plan for Teachers and State Employees is appropriated $150,000 for incentives to increase access to birthing center care, aiming for cost savings.

North Carolina S536 mandates equal maternity care benefits and home birth coverage in health plans.

North Carolina S536, the Birth Freedom Act, requires health benefit plans to provide maternity care benefits no less favorable than those for physical illness. It ensures coverage for home births and births at birthing centers under qualified healthcare supervision. The Department of Health and Human Services must ensure Medicaid beneficiaries have access to these services, with reimbursement at 90% of the average commercial rate. The State Health Plan for Teachers and State Employees is appropriated $150,000 for incentives to increase access to birthing center care, aiming for cost savings.