Committee hears bills to require insurance coverage for licensed midwives and lactation counselors

Representative Stewart presented two companion bills aimed at expanding perinatal care in community settings. H7275 would require health insurance plans to cover services provided by licensed certified professional midwives (CPMs), including home and birth‑center care for low‑risk births. H7277 would require coverage for licensed certified lactation counselors (CLCs).

Witnesses emphasized access, equity and workforce development. Quattio “Q” Osorio said midwives and lactation counselors help address transportation, scheduling and cultural barriers and allow families to receive care in the home: “Home birth is legal in the state of Rhode Island with a licensed provider,” she said. Elizabeth Burke Bryant of Brown School of Public Health testified that the bills would advance birth equity and reduce perinatal disparities, and several community providers described the cost and practical barriers families face when lactation support is not covered.

Committee members asked technical questions about the number of currently licensed CPMs (testimony cited 13 licensed certified professional midwives) and capacity to provide services if hospital birthing units close; witnesses said current volume is limited (roughly 25–40 births per year per practitioner, as reported) and that expanding insurance coverage would support workforce growth. The committee left the bills in committee for further consideration.

What’s next: The committee closed testimony and noted additional written sign‑ups in support; sponsors said the bills are part of a longer effort to grow the perinatal workforce and improve equity in maternal and infant outcomes.