Specifications include, but are not limited to: The MCH Section receives federal funds from the Title V Block Grant to support various MCH programs whose primary goals are to improve the health status of pregnant women, mothers, infants, and children, including children with special health care needs. The New Hampshire Joint Legislative Fiscal Committee approved the use of $250,000 in federal pandemic funds to offset malpractice insurance rate increases that have impacted New Hampshire birthing centers. Malpractice insurance rate increases have put birthing centers at risk due to birthing centers being required to have malpractice insurance to receive Medicaid reimbursement. Additionally, Medicaid reimbursement rates are notably lower than facility costs. Malpractice insurance rates have risen due to increased usage throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, as more families are opting not to have births in hospitals. New Hampshire birthing centers will be able to request financial support to offset the costs associated with malpractice insurance rate increases resulting from COVID-19 from the established stabilization fund. These increases are putting the continued operation of the centers at risk because the facilities are required to have malpractice insurance in order to receive Medicaid reimbursement or enter into commercial provider contracts.
