HB1427

House Bill 1427, known as the 'Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies Act,' proposes several changes to the Arkansas Medicaid Program to improve maternal health outcomes. The bill mandates Medicaid reimbursement for depression screenings, self-measurement blood pressure monitoring devices, and remote ultrasound procedures for pregnant and postpartum women. It requires the state to move away from global payment models for maternity services in favor of separate reimbursement for individual prenatal, delivery, and postpartum services. The bill also establishes presumptive eligibility for pregnant women to ensure immediate access to prenatal care and authorizes Medicaid reimbursement for home visitation services provided by doulas and community health workers. Additionally, the bill amends the statute of limitations for medical injury claims occurring during childbirth, setting a deadline for filing until the minor's fifth birthday. The Department of Human Services is directed to seek any necessary federal waivers or state plan amendments to implement these provisions.