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2020 Session

Budget Amendments - HB29 (Floor Approved)

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Workgroup on a Medicaid Doula Benefit (language only)

Item 281 #1h

Item 281 #1h

Health and Human Resources
Secretary of Health and Human Resources

Language

Page 96, strike lines 19 through 29 and insert:

"G. The Secretary of Health and Human Resources shall convene a workgroup to review and make recommendations regarding a community doula benefit for pregnant and postpartum women covered by Medicaid. The workgroup shall include representatives from the Department of Medical Assistance Services, the Virginia Department of Health, and the Department of Health Professions, as well as representatives from community doula practitioners and any other relevant stakeholders.  The workgroup shall examine and report on (i) federal requirements and permissibility associated with providing a Medicaid community doula benefit and existing models for state implementation; (ii) a recommended approach for ensuring minimum qualifications and training among community doula practitioners; (iii) recommended reimbursement rates and types of community doula services to be covered; and (iv) estimated costs and potential savings to the state over the next six years. The workgroup's recommendations shall address certification, workforce assessment, appropriate data and reporting needs, contracting considerations, and project implementation planning.  As part of its review, the workgroup shall conduct a rate study to determine appropriate reimbursement rates for certified doula services for pregnant persons, and shall report its rate study findings to the Chairs of the House Welfare and Institutions and Senate Education and Health Committees by September 1, 2020. The workgroup shall report interim findings and progress to the Governor and to the Chairs of the House Appropriations and Senate Finance and Appropriations Committees by December 31, 2020.  The workgroup shall issue completed findings and recommendations to the Governor and to the Chairs of the House Appropriations and Senate Finance and Appropriations Committees by June 30, 2021."



Explanation

(This amendment replaces language in the introduced budget which creates a workgroup in the Office of the Secretary of Health and Human Resources to review and make recommendations related to creating a community doula benefit for pregnant women in Medicaid. The revised language adds more specificity to the issues the workgroup will review, beginning in FY 2020 in order to complete the rate study which is due to legislative committees by September 1, 2020. Language also lays out the dates for an interim report and completion which will occur in the 2020-22 biennium. The language is continued in House Bill 30.)