Source: Health Policy Institute of Ohio
In order to reduce the number of unintended pregnancies and promote healthier spacing of pregnancies, nearly two dozen states (including Ohio) have changed their Medicaid programs to pay hospitals for inserting an IUD or contraceptive implant in the delivery room (Source: “To Curb Unintended Pregnancy, States Turn to IUDs — In the Delivery Room,” Kaiser Health News, October 21, 2016).
In the past, most Medicaid programs generally offered a set payment for labor and delivery and didn’t include an option for payment for the IUD insertion. States hope to keep women healthier, especially since doctors advise spacing pregnancies at least 18 months apart. They’re betting the upfront investment will pay off.
So far, 20 states plus the District of Columbia are promoting the option, while others such as Oregon, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee are considering it. The federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services this spring began urging states to adopt the payment practice. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has singled out immediate post-partum insertion of long acting birth control as key in curbing unintended pregnancy. Organizations such as the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the Association for State and Territorial Health Officials are also on board.
According to guidance published by Ohio Medicaid, “Ohio Medicaid provides coverage for Long Acting Reversible Contraceptives (LARCs) in the inpatient hospital setting immediately after a delivery or up to the time of the inpatient discharge for postpartum women, or at any time deemed medically necessary. LARC services are also covered by Ohio Medicaid when provided in an outpatient hospital or an independent professional setting. All claims for reimbursement of LARC services should follow correct coding conventions and be supported by the appropriate diagnosis and procedure codes.”