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2020 Session

Budget Amendments - HB30 (Floor Approved)

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Workgroup on a Medicaid Doula Benefit (language only)

Item 291 #1h

Item 291 #1h

Health and Human Resources
Secretary of Health and Human Resources

Language

Page 274, after line 38, insert:

"E. 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 adds language continuing a workgroup convened by the Secretary of Health and Human Resources established in House Bill 29 to review and make recommendations regarding a community doula benefit for pregnant and postpartum women covered by Medicaid. The work group will complete a rate study of Medicaid doula benefits by September 1, 2020 and report interim findings to the Governor and Chairs of the House Appropriations and Senate Finance and Appropriations Committees by December 31, 2020. Language requires a final report on findings and recommendations to be issued by June 30, 2021.)