Hi Everyone,
I am writing to you today on International Day of the Midwife. This year’s theme is "One Million More Midwives," which highlights the urgent need to expand the global midwifery workforce. The heart and soul of Michigan State of Birth Justice has always been rooted in midwifery. Thank you for mobilizing with us, whether at our town hall or our recent in-person event!
 
I am asking each of you to take action today: please email or call the offices of Chair VanderWall and Speaker Hall to urge them to schedule a hearing and a vote in the full House on this package of bills. Senate Bills 29-32, 34, and 36-39 have already passed the Senate. These bills will strengthen midwifery integration, workforce development, sustainability, and informed consent in all birth settings, in addition to supporting Doulas and better ultrasound access for Michigan families.
 
Licensed Midwives and homebirth are being added to the Medicaid plan in Michigan. Public Comment is open right now until May 13th. We fought for and achieved our Midwifery licensure Act for CPMs 10 years ago, and fighting for Medicaid coverage has taken this long. Please read the policy and share your input with Michigan Medicaid. It is not perfect, but it is a step in the direction we have been wanting to walk for a while now.
 
Much is happening—let's maintain our momentum and make our voices heard for lasting change. Together, we have the power to create impactful progress for midwives, families, and communities across Michigan.
 
In Community,
Nicole White, LM
Co-founder, Birth Detroit
Director, MI State of Birth Justice
 
announcement
Call for PUBLIC COMMENT:
Regarding Licensed midwife and Homebirth Medicaid coverage
Licensed Midwives and homebirth are being added to the Medicaid plan in Michigan. We fought for and achieved our Midwifery licensure Act for CPMs 10 years ago, and fighting for Medicaid coverage has taken this long. There are many incredible facets of the proposed policy, like pay parity for OBs, CNMs, and LMs, and no requirement for malpractice insurance, which often creates a barrier to practice for smaller practices. Please read the policy and share your input with Michigan Medicaid. It is not perfect, but it is a step in the direction we have been wanting to walk for a while now.
 
Public comment is open until May 13th. Submit your comment in support of this policy change to Janell Troutman at troutmanl2@michigan.gov.
 
Policies for Licensed Midwifery and Homebirth coverage are published on the MDHHS proposed policy website.
 
You will notice that the homebirth services policy update now includes Medicaid coverage of doula services for homebirth.
Birth Centers will be covered by Medicaid after the Birth Center Bill becomes effective. This coverage will begin after the rules and regulations are implemented, but the exact timeline for their implementation has not yet been established.
 
Direct links to each policy are provided via the below buttons.

 
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