FISCAL NOTE

Date Requested: January 26, 2023
Time Requested: 02:59 PM
Agency: Health and Human Resources, WV Department of
CBD Number: Version: Bill Number: Resolution Number:
3145 Introduced SB479
CBD Subject: Health


FUND(S):

0403 - DIV OF HUMAN SERVICES GENERAL ADMINISTRATION FUND; 8722 - CONS FEDERAL FUNDS DIV HUMAN SERVICES GEN ADMN FD

Sources of Revenue:

Other Fund General and Federal

Legislation creates:





Fiscal Note Summary


Effect this measure will have on costs and revenues of state government.


The purpose of this bill is to extend Medicaid coverage for pregnant women. The Department estimates a fiscal impact of $342,741 ($257,330 federal and $85,411 state) for this legislation. This estimate includes 8 prenatal or postpartum visits for 399 Medicaid members.



Fiscal Note Detail


Effect of Proposal Fiscal Year
2023
Increase/Decrease
(use"-")
2024
Increase/Decrease
(use"-")
Fiscal Year
(Upon Full
Implementation)
1. Estmated Total Cost 0 0 0
Personal Services 0 0 0
Current Expenses 0 342,741 342,741
Repairs and Alterations 0 0 0
Assets 0 0 0
Other 0 0 0
2. Estimated Total Revenues 0 0 0


Explanation of above estimates (including long-range effect):


In FY2022, Medicaid paid for approximately 6,650 births. According to an ASTHO survey, 6% of pregnant women are currently using a doula; approximately 399 Medicaid members would access the services of a doula. Total estimated costs for 8 prenatal or postpartum visits for 399 members is $342,741 ($257,330 Federal and $85,411 State dollars). Under the program, Medicaid payments for doula services are to be determined on the basis of each pregnancy, regardless of whether multiple births occur as a result of that pregnancy. Costs of this coverage will depend on the utilization rate of doula services among pregnant women covered by Medicaid. Other states have submitted Medicaid state plan amendments to the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and received approval to allow for reimbursements for doula services. Assuming West Virginia also received approval, the federal government would likely reimburse about 75% of these costs. In addition, some studies have indicated that the use of a doula could result in better birth outcomes, such as fewer preterm and low birth weight infants, and reductions in cesarean sections. If this occurs, the state could realize a savings in associated costs; however, it is not possible to calculate those savings at this time.



Memorandum


Please identify any areas of vagueness, technical defects, reasons a bill would not have a fiscal impact, and/or any special issues not captured elsewhere on this form.



    Person submitting Fiscal Note: Jeffrey H. Coben
    Email Address: dhhrsecretary@wv.gov