The U.S. has one of the highest maternal mortality rates among wealthy nations, with Black and American Indian/Alaska Native women facing disproportionately higher risk. Medicaid and CHIP (Children's Health Insurance Program) together cover more than 40% of all U.S. births, but current payment structures may not support comprehensive maternity care. This bill would create a five-year pilot program from FY2027 through FY2031 that lets states test alternative payment approaches for pregnancy and postpartum care under Medicaid and CHIP, with a focus on reducing maternal deaths and addressing health disparities. After the pilot ends, the Department of Health and Human Services must publish a public evaluation and recommend to Congress whether to continue and expand the program nationally.
Transparency & Accountability
- Pilot evaluation mandate — HHS required to assess outcomes with data stratified by race, ethnicity, language, and socioeconomic status
- Congressional reporting requirement — HHS must submit and publicly release results and expansion recommendations within 1 year of completion
Congressional Summary
Innovative Maternal Payment and Coverage To Save Moms Act or the IMPACT to Save Moms ActThis bill requires the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to establish the Perinatal Care Alternative Payment Model Demonstration Project through FY2031 to allow states to test payment models for maternity care, including postpartum care, under Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP).
Details
- Congress
- 119th
- Chamber
- Senate
- Status
- summarized
- Action
- Introduced in Senate
- Action Date
- 2026-05-11
- Date Added
- 2026-06-13
- Source
- Congress.gov →
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