OHP

Oregon Health Plan

Community Birth with OHP

We are committed to making midwifery care accessible to families across Southern Oregon. We proudly offer services for families covered by the Oregon Health Plan (OHP), including prenatal care, out-of-hospital birth, and postpartum support.

Our care is rooted in trauma-informed practices, inclusivity, and client autonomy, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for every family.

Services Covered by OHP

Through OHP, families who might not otherwise have access to midwifery care can experience personalized, community-based services. Our team provides a collaborative care model, featuring OHP-covered midwives, assistant midwives, and doulas—all included in our OHP midwifery package. Eligible families can receive coverage for all aspects of midwifery care, including:

  • Prenatal Care
    Regular visits with licensed midwives to monitor your pregnancy, provide education, and offer personalized support. This includes coordination of all recommended lab work, ultrasounds, and collaborative care visits to ensure comprehensive and seamless care.

  • Out-of-Hospital Birth
    Planned community birth attended by licensed midwives, including all necessary supplies and equipment.

  • Labor Doula Support

    Labor doula services provided by certified Traditional Healthcare Worker (THW) doulas who are expertly trained in supporting out-of-hospital births. Our doulas are fully integrated into your care team, offering seamless, compassionate guidance through labor and delivery.

  • Postpartum Care
    Comprehensive care for the birthing parent and newborn, including lactation support, weight checks, and emotional health monitoring.

Note: Some services, like birth tub rentals or herbal supplements, may not be covered under OHP. Any potential out-of-pocket costs will be discussed during your consultation.

The Nitty Gritty

We understand navigating insurance can be overwhelming, and we're here to make the process as smooth as possible.

  • To qualify for out-of-hospital birth coverage under OHP, the following criteria must be met:

    • Enrollment in OHP: You must have active Oregon Health Plan coverage. If you’re not yet enrolled, we can help guide you through the process. 

    • Low-Risk Pregnancy: OHP permits out-of-hospital births for pregnancies that meet the following conditions:

      • A single baby (no multiples).

      • Baby positioned head-down at the time of labor.

      • No significant medical conditions that could complicate labor or birth.

    • Prior Authorization Approval: A Prior Authorization (PA) is required for OHP to approve out-of-hospital birth services. This process includes:

      • A review of your medical history.

      • Ongoing risk assessment conducted by your midwives.

      • Submission of necessary documentation to OHP.

    • Ongoing Risk Monitoring: Your midwives will continue to monitor your pregnancy to ensure it remains low-risk. Should complications arise, a transfer to hospital-based care may be necessary. These measures ensure your care remains safe and meets OHP’s requirements for community birth.

    • Compliance with OHP Guidelines: To qualify for home birth coverage under OHP, your care plan must meet specific requirements outlined in their community birth guidelines. This includes providing evidence of the following:

      • Gestational Diabetes Screening: Completion of a gestational diabetes screening using a 1-hour or 2-3 hour OGTT is required. Other methods, such as Hemoglobin A1c or home glucose monitoring, do not meet this requirement.

      • Anatomy Scan Ultrasound: A second-trimester anatomy scan is required to assess for placental, uterine, or fetal anomalies.

      • Routine Prenatal Assessments: Documentation of weight checks, fundal height, blood pressure, fetal heart rate, and urine glucose/protein must be recorded at each prenatal visit and included in a comprehensive flowchart format.

      • STI Screening: Original laboratory results for syphilis, HIV, and hepatitis B are required. Patients who decline these screenings do not meet OHP’s criteria for community birth.

    If you have any questions or concerns about meeting these requirements, please reach out to us for clarification. We’re here to guide you through every step of the process.

  • If your pregnancy doesn’t meet OHP’s criteria for community birth, you may still be eligible for OHP-covered prenatal and postpartum care as well as doula care. We can help coordinate hospital-based care while continuing to provide support as part of your team.

    In some cases, OHP may deny your PA request for an out-of-hospital birth, but it may still be safe to plan a community birth paid out of pocket. If this applies to you, let’s talk about your options and how we can best support your family.

    Our team will work closely with you to explore all options and ensure you feel supported, no matter the path forward.

  • Yes! We accept transfers into care up to 36 weeks of pregnancy, provided you meet eligibility criteria.

    1. Book a Consultation:
      Schedule a meeting with our team to discuss your options and learn about our midwifery services.

    2. Submit Prior Authorization:
      We’ll handle the paperwork and submit your PA request to OHP.

    3. Approval Process:
      Once approved, we’ll develop a personalized care plan tailored to your needs.

    4. Receive Comprehensive Care:
      Begin your journey with us, including prenatal visits, labor and birth support, and postpartum care.

Spaces Are Limited—Book Early

To ensure personalized care, we limit the number of OHP-covered clients we serve each month. We encourage you to schedule a consultation early in your pregnancy to secure your spot.

Contact Us

Have questions about OHP coverage, eligibility, or our services? Reach out to us!

📞 (541) 833-0024
✉️ info@southernoregonmidwifery.com

Book your consultation today and let us create a care plan that works for you!