West Coast Innovation to Lower Cesarean Rate…and Health Care Costs

Leave it to those coffee loving, fault line dwelling northwesterners to come up with a brilliant new twist on lowering incentives for unneccessary c-sections.

Beginning this month, the state of Washington will pay hospitals the same amount for an uncomplicated C-section as for a complicated vaginal birth when it reimburses them through Medicaid. Almost half of all births in Washington are paid by Medicaid, so this measure will have a significant effect on the economics of birth in the state.

Take away the incentives for too many c-sections By Carolyn McConnell

This is a great example of ways we can reform healthcare be envisioning a system that rewards lower interventions, lower costs, and better outcomes. Check out the MAMA Campaign (Midwives and Mothers in Action) to find out how to get involved in ensuring that midwifery care is on track to be a part of the health care reform train.