January 17, 2023
Providers
  • Hospitals are reducing or omitting maternity services as they attempt to shed unprofitable business lines. Hospital administrators say closures are driven by low Medicaid reimbursement rates, staffing shortages and, in some cases, declining birth rates in areas the hospitals serve. Providers and advocacy groups also point out that “maternal care deserts” are developing in states with strict abortion restrictions. The trend could continue this year as hospitals continue to consolidate and the weakest pare costs. (Article here)