Kent Conrad: “today I am introducing the Midwifery Care Access and Reimbursement Equity (M-CARE) Act of 2007. For too many years…”

“today I am introducing the Midwifery Care Access and Reimbursement Equity (M-CARE) Act of 2007. For too many years, certified nurse midwives (CNMs) have not received adequate reimbursement under the Medicare program. My legislation takes steps to improve reimbursement for these important healthcare providers. Since 1988, CNMs have been authorized to provide maternity-related services to Medicare-eligible women of child-bearing age. There are approximately three million disabled women of child-bearing age on Medicare; however, if they choose to utilize a CNM for ``well women'' services, the CNM is only reimbursed at 65 percent of the physician fee schedule. This is not right and does not come close to offsetting the costs incurred by these professionals. At this incredibly low rate of reimbursement, the Medicare Payment Advisory Committee (MedPAC) agrees that a CNM simply cannot afford to provide services to Medicare patients and has supported increasing reimbursement for CNMs. In fact, the Commission recommended in 2002 that CNMs' reimbursement be increased and acknowledged that the care provided by these individuals is at least comparable to similar providers. My legislation would make several changes to improve the ability of CNMs and certified midwives (CMs) to effectively serve the Medicare- eligible population.”