A Democratic bill with 1 Democratic cosponsor · See the cosponsor
Last activity — 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.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Keeping Obstetrics Local Act aims to increase financial support for rural and safety net hospitals that provide maternity, labor, and delivery services. It mandates state studies to track the costs of these services and requires Medicaid to provide adequate payment rates to eligible hospitals. The bill also seeks to expand coverage for pregnant individuals under Medicaid and CHIP, including a 12-month continuous full benefit period. Additionally, it invests in the maternal health care workforce through emergency support and streamlined out-of-state provider enrollment. Finally, the act establishes requirements for public notification regarding hospital obstetric unit closures and improved data collection.
Yes· 3 of 12
- Scored +9
Would women be better off under this?
The entire act is focused on enhancing maternal, labor, and delivery services for pregnant individuals.
- Scored +9
Does this make health care easier to get in general?
The act enhances access to maternal health services through higher hospital payments, expanded coverage, and workforce support.
- Scored +8
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?
The bill expands Medicaid and CHIP benefits, which are crucial for low-income families.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Increased Hospital Support: The bill requires adequate Medicaid payment rates for maternity, labor, and delivery services at eligible hospitals (Section 102). This could help ensure these services remain available in rural and safety net areas.
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Expanded Insurance Coverage: Pregnant individuals under Medicaid and CHIP would receive 12-month continuous, full benefit coverage (Section 201).
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Coordinated Care Options: States have the option to provide "maternity health homes" to offer pregnancy and postpartum coordinated care services (Section 202).
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Mental Health Support: The bill increases financial support for depression and anxiety screening during the perinatal and postpartum periods (Section 204).
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Access to Care: The bill provides for "presumptive eligibility" for pregnant individuals to ensure access to medical assistance (Section 205).
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Workforce Support: The act allows for the deployment of Commissioned Corps personnel to address urgent maternal health care needs resulting from hospital closures or worker losses (Section 301).
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Easier Provider Access: Out-of-State providers can use a streamlined enrollment process to provide services in neighboring states (Section 302).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Contractual Obligations for Hospitals: To receive "anchor payments," hospitals must enter into contracts agreeing to continue providing labor and delivery services for a set period and must use the funds specifically for those services (Section 104).
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Risk of Payment Recovery: If a hospital breaches its contract regarding service provision or fund utilization, the State is authorized to recover the full amount of the anchor payments (Section 104).
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Increased Reporting Burdens: Hospitals are required to submit detailed information regarding births, transfers, staffing, and expenses (Section 402).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would women be better off under this? — The entire act is focused on enhancing maternal, labor, and delivery services for pregnant individuals. Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — The bill expands Medicaid and CHIP benefits, which are crucial for low-income families. Would people in rural areas be better off under this? — The bill specifically targets support for rural hospitals to ensure local access to obstetric services. Would children be better off under this? — Improved maternal health services and CHIP coverage have long-term benefits for child development and health. Would Native Americans be better off under this? — The bill includes support for hospitals operated by the Indian Health Service or an Indian Tribe.
- Healthcare
- Does this make health care easier to get in general? — The act enhances access to maternal health services through higher hospital payments, expanded coverage, and workforce support. Does this put more money into Medicaid, the health coverage for people on low incomes? — The bill increases Medicaid and CHIP funding specifically for maternity and obstetric services via higher payment rates and FMAP increases. Does this make mental health care easier to get? — The bill increases financial support for depression and anxiety screening during the perinatal and postpartum periods.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this invest in rural communities? — The bill provides specific financial support and coverage enhancements for rural hospitals providing obstetric services.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill mandates public notification of hospital unit closures and the publication of state studies. Does this give the federal government more power? — The bill increases federal oversight and funding requirements for state Medicaid and CHIP programs.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this narrow the gap between how men and women are treated? — By supporting maternal health services, the bill addresses specific needs often associated with women's health.
- 6/12/2025
- 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.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
2 bills Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Robin KellyDemocrat · Illinois