Transforming Maternal Health: A New CMS Initiative to Support Midwifery-Led Care

Transforming Maternal Health: A New CMS Initiative to Support Midwifery-Led Care

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently announced an exciting new initiative, the Transforming Maternal Health (TMaH) Model. This 10-year program aims to address the urgent maternal health crisis in the United States by investing in innovative, comprehensive care approaches that support the well-being of birthing people and their families. This initiative represents a significant step forward in recognizing the vital role of midwifery in improving maternal health outcomes, especially in underserved communities.

What is the TMaH Model?

The TMaH Model is a groundbreaking program designed to improve maternal health outcomes through a whole-person approach to care. It prioritizes the integration of physical, mental, and social health needs during pregnancy and postpartum. The program provides up to $17 million in funding per state to implement strategies that:

  • Expand access to midwifery and doula services.

  • Increase the availability and capacity of maternal health care providers.

  • Address systemic inequities in maternal health care delivery.

  • Reduce maternal morbidity and mortality, particularly among underserved and high-risk populations.

States Leading the Way

Fifteen states have been selected as participants in the TMaH Model:

  • Alabama

  • Arkansas

  • California

  • District of Columbia

  • Illinois

  • Kansas

  • Louisiana

  • Maine

  • Minnesota

  • Mississippi

  • New Jersey

  • Oklahoma

  • South Carolina

  • West Virginia

  • Wisconsin

These states will receive federal support to enhance maternal health care through evidence-based strategies, including the integration of midwifery-led care. By prioritizing holistic and culturally sensitive care models, these states aim to tackle persistent disparities in maternal health outcomes.

Why This Matters for Midwifery

The TMaH Model’s emphasis on expanding midwifery and doula services marks a pivotal moment for maternal health advocacy. Certified Professional Midwives (CPMs) are uniquely equipped to deliver the kind of individualized, patient-centered care that this initiative seeks to promote. By investing in midwifery-led models of care, the TMaH Model aligns with research showing that midwives can significantly reduce maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality while improving overall patient satisfaction.

At NACPM, we see this as a powerful opportunity to amplify the role of midwives in addressing systemic inequities and providing high-quality, accessible care to all birthing people. The funding and support offered through the TMaH Model will enable states to:

  • Train and certify more midwives and doulas.

  • Support midwifery-led practices that prioritize the autonomy and agency of birthing individuals.

  • Build community-based maternal health systems that reflect the needs of underserved populations.

A Call to Action

The TMaH Model demonstrates what is possible when federal policy prioritizes equitable and innovative approaches to maternal health. As advocates for midwifery-led care, NACPM urges all stakeholders—from policymakers to healthcare providers—to seize this opportunity to elevate the midwifery profession and ensure every family has access to the care they deserve.

We celebrate the states participating in this initiative and encourage our members to follow these developments closely. Together, we can work toward a future where midwifery-led care is central to the maternal health landscape in the United States.

Stay tuned for updates on how the TMaH Model unfolds and how you can support this transformative work. Let’s continue to advocate for equitable, accessible care for all birthing people.