Detroit City Wire

The Michigan Senate has passed bipartisan legislation aimed at enhancing prenatal care through group-based settings, such as CenteringPregnancy programs. The bills, sponsored by Senators Stephanie Chang and Ruth Johnson, seek to mandate coverage for these programs by private insurers and Medicaid.

Senator Johnson highlighted the proven benefits of CenteringPregnancy visits, stating, "The evidence shows that this works. CenteringPregnancy visits have been shown in studies to reduce preterm births by 33% to 47% and reduce neonatal intensive care admissions by 37%. Those are remarkable outcomes."

Senate Bill 414 requires private insurers already covering prenatal care to include group prenatal care programs. Senate Bill 415 would formalize Medicaid's existing practice of covering the group-based model offered in CenteringPregnancy programs.

Senator Chang emphasized the importance of support during pregnancy: “Expectant parents shouldn’t have to go through pregnancy alone; they need support — information, resources, a space to ask questions, and camaraderie from others going through the same experience. And that’s what’s at the heart of these bills.”

CenteringPregnancy combines prenatal care with childbirth classes in group sessions for expectant parents due around the same time. These sessions offer discussions on various topics followed by individual consultations with providers.

The Centering Healthcare Institute notes that these programs can significantly improve health outcomes for mothers and babies while reducing healthcare costs. The legislation will now proceed to the House for further consideration.