Why Medicaid Currently Limits Access to Community-Based Midwifery Care in Colorado
Colorado Medicaid has recently begun recognizing Certified Professional Midwives (CPMs) as approved maternal health providers. However, to enroll as a Medicaid provider, CPMs are required to carry malpractice insurance that often financially unattainable for a small, independent midwifery practice. Because of this, many CPMs cannot realistically enroll in Medicaid, even though the care they provide is recognized as safe, regulated, and appropriate.
Because CPM care is now considered a covered type of maternity care under Medicaid, Medicaid rules do not allow CPMs who are not enrolled providers to accept private payment from clients who are enrolled in Medicaid. This means that midwives are legally unable to accept any payment for care from Medicaid clients—even when a family wishes to self-pay.
As a result, families who rely on Medicaid are often unable to access community-based midwifery care—not because of safety concerns or lack of qualification, but because of how Medicaid participation rules and insurance requirements are currently structured.
Where you can make your voice heard
If you are affected by this issue and would like to share your experience or concerns, the following organizations are the most appropriate places to contact:
• Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing (HCPF) – Health First Colorado
Website: https://hcpf.colorado.gov Member Contact Center: 1-800-221-3943
• Colorado Medical Services Board
Website: https://hcpf.colorado.gov/medical-services-board
• Colorado State Legislators (House & Senate)
Find your legislator: https://leg.colorado.gov/find-my-legislator
• Elephant Circle
A Colorado-based organization advocating for access to community birth care and supporting families affected by these policies.
Website: https://www.elephantcircle.org