01 — The Text
What.
- Creates a five-year pilot program (through 2031) letting states experiment with new payment methods for maternity and postpartum care under Medicaid and CHIP.
- CMS manages the demonstration project, testing how different payment models affect maternal care delivery and outcomes.
- States can voluntarily participate to design and test payment approaches that may differ from standard Medicaid reimbursement.
02 — The Stakes
So what?
- Pregnant people on Medicaid and CHIP could access maternity care through new payment structures that states design as alternatives to traditional models.
- State Medicaid programs gain flexibility to pilot innovative payment approaches; healthcare providers test new compensation models for maternity services.
- Postpartum care gets explicit focus—addressing a gap in traditional maternal health coverage that ends shortly after delivery.
03 — The Path
Now what?
- Bill introduced in Senate May 2026, referred to Finance Committee. No cosponsors yet; committee review is the immediate hurdle.
- To track progress: monitor Senate Finance Committee hearings and markups; watch for companion House bill.
- Contact your senator's office to ask their position on maternal health pilot programs if this issue matters to you.
Legislative History
Actions.
- May 11, 2026 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
- May 11, 2026 — Introduced in Senate