Kansas Medicaid KanCare Expands Maternal Care Services and Provider Network

Kansas Medicaid, operating under the KanCare managed care model, has implemented significant policy updates to enhance maternal care services for pregnant beneficiaries. The recent KanCare 3.0 MCO contracts expand the maternal care team and mandate coverage for essential prenatal and postpartum services, emphasizing care coordination, mental health, and parent education. These contracts also require expanded services for high-risk pregnancies, reinforcing a comprehensive care approach.

Policy changes since 2018 have included the addition of community-based health providers such as doulas, community health workers, and lactation consultants, alongside traditional medical professionals. Effective April 1, 2022, postpartum coverage was extended from two months to 12 months, facilitating prolonged access to maternal health services and aiming to improve postpartum outcomes and reduce disparities.

Reimbursement rates for Certified Nurse Midwives have risen, forming part of a broader strategy to strengthen the maternal care network. KanCare now enables a broader array of providers to bill for maternal care services, translating to enhanced access and support throughout the pregnancy continuum. The state’s updated MCO contracts, effective from January 1, 2025, formally detail required maternal health services and encourage the provision of value-added benefits beyond federal mandates.

These developments align with an overarching strategy to deliver more holistic, community-integrated care that addresses clinical, social, and emotional dimensions of maternal health. By integrating policy reforms, managed care contract enhancements, and expanded service offerings, KanCare is positioned to better meet the needs of pregnant and postpartum individuals within Medicaid. This approach reflects a shift towards inclusive maternal health strategies centered on both medical and supportive care needs.

The Kansas Health Institute (KHI), a nonpartisan organization, provides research and education to support this policymaking landscape, contributing to informed decisions aimed at improving health outcomes in Kansas. The institute’s work underscores the role of data-driven analysis and stakeholder engagement in evolving Medicaid policy frameworks, particularly concerning maternal health services.