Home Birth Service Available for Medical Assistance or Minnesota Care

Source: MN Department of Human Resources

Effective Jan. 1, 2025, the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) covers low-risk pregnancy and low-risk delivery services provided at home for members with MA or MinnesotaCare fee-for-service coverage.

Members with MA or MinnesotaCare fee-for-service coverage are eligible to receive home pregnancy and delivery services if they are determined low-risk for pregnancy and delivery complications. Low risk means a routine, uncomplicated prenatal course as determined by documentation of adequate prenatal care and the anticipation of a routine, uncomplicated labor and birth, as defined by reasonable and generally accepted criteria adopted by professional groups for maternal, fetal, and neonatal health care.

They are covering home birth services after conducting a thorough and thoughtful assessment after hearing from members and providers that members would benefit from another birthing option to allow for more autonomy over their birthing process. DHS covering home birth services aligns with over 50 percent of other state Medicaid agencies in the country, as well as our commitment to equity.

MHCP home birth policy criteria reflects the following: 

• Best practice standards for midwifery

• State law for scope of practice for midwifery

• Definitions and best practices for assessing when pregnant people are considered low risk for adverse health outcomes

• Other state Medicaid agencies policies

Note, the home birth policy allows for providers who meet the policy criteria to be eligible providers when enrolled with MHCP. However, providers are not required to provide home birth services if they are already enrolled; only if they are qualified and interested in providing home birth services.

Call the MHCP Provider Resource Center at 651-431-2700 or 800-366-5411 with questions.