Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
The Keeping Obstetrics Local Act aims to prevent maternity care shortages, particularly in rural and underserved areas, through a combination of workforce support, financial incentives, and data collection requirements. The bill strengthens the obstetric workforce by providing emergency support and allowing maternity care providers to practice across state lines, while establishing federal funding to cover 100% of enhanced maternity payments at eligible hospitals starting October 2026 and guaranteeing minimum annual revenue for low-volume obstetric hospitals beginning in 2028. It expands Medicaid and CHIP coverage to include 12-month continuous care for pregnant and postpartum individuals and creates an optional "maternity health home" program offering coordinated care through multidisciplinary teams, with $50 million in planning grants available to states starting in 2027. Additionally, the bill requires hospitals to provide at least 180 days' notice before closing obstetric units and to report detailed labor and delivery data, while mandating enhanced federal funding for depression and anxiety screening and improved coverage for doulas and midwives under Medicaid and CHIP.
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