Certified Nurse Midwifery Medicare Services Act of 1998
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (3 Nov 1998): Referred to the Subcommittee on Health and Environment, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Chairman.
What this bill does
H.R. 4872, the Certified Nurse Midwifery Medicare Services Act of 1998, would amend Medicare (Title XVIII of the Social Security Act) to expand coverage and payment for maternity-care providers. It would create a new Medicare benefit category for "certified midwife services," separate from existing "certified nurse-midwife services," defining who qualifies based on education and certification standards set by the Secretary of Health and Human Services. It would also establish a new Medicare benefit for services provided at "freestanding birth centers," defined as non-hospital facilities where births are planned to occur. The bill raises the Medicare reimbursement rate for certified nurse-midwife and certified midwife services from 65 percent to 95 percent of the applicable fee schedule amount, and sets a formula for paying freestanding birth centers based on estimated average hospital/physician delivery costs.
The bill primarily affects Medicare beneficiaries who receive maternity care, as well as certified nurse-midwives, certified midwives, freestanding birth centers, and teaching hospitals, by changing how these providers and facilities are recognized and reimbursed under Medicare. It also directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to issue implementing regulations, including interim rules within six months of enactment for most provisions.
The bill was introduced in the House on October 20, 1998, near the end of the 105th Congress, and was referred to the Committees on Ways and Means and Commerce. It did not receive a vote and did not become law; under congressional rules, it expired at the end of that Congress.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Certified Nurse Midwifery Medicare Services Act of 1998 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for the coverage of and payment for the following under Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance): (1) certified midwife services (currently only certified nurse-midwife services are covered); and (2) freestanding birth center services. Declares that nothing precludes certified nurse-midwives and certified midwives from teaching or supervising an intern or resident-in-training.
Timeline
3 Nov 1998
Referred to the Subcommittee on Health and Environment, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Chairman.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 4872 do?
- H.R. 4872, the Certified Nurse Midwifery Medicare Services Act of 1998, would amend Medicare (Title XVIII of the Social Security Act) to expand coverage and payment for maternity-care providers. It would create a new Medicare benefit category for "certified midwife services," separate from existing "certified nurse-midwife services," defining who qualifies based on education and certification standards set by the Secretary of Health and Human Services. It would also establish a new Medicare benefit for services provided at "freestanding birth centers," defined as non-hospital facilities where births are planned to occur. The bill raises the Medicare reimbursement rate for certified nurse-midwife and certified midwife services from 65 percent to 95 percent of the applicable fee schedule amount, and sets a formula for paying freestanding birth centers based on estimated average hospital/physician delivery costs. The bill primarily affects Medicare beneficiaries who receive maternity care, as well as certified nurse-midwives, certified midwives, freestanding birth centers, and teaching hospitals, by changing how these providers and facilities are recognized and reimbursed under Medicare. It also directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to issue implementing regulations, including interim rules within six months of enactment for most provisions. The bill was introduced in the House on October 20, 1998, near the end of the 105th Congress, and was referred to the Committees on Ways and Means and Commerce. It did not receive a vote and did not become law; under congressional rules, it expired at the end of that Congress.
- Has H.R. 4872 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for H.R. 4872. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored H.R. 4872?
- H.R. 4872 was sponsored by Rep. Towns, Edolphus [D-NY-10] (D-NY), with 13 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 4872?
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Health and Environment, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Chairman. (3 Nov 1998).
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