Nov. 7, 2024
Oklahoma Senate Bill 1739 amends existing law around birthing centers and postpartum care after delivery. The bill makes the following changes:
- Eliminates the licensing of birthing centers, unless the center operates as a hospital.
- Expands the provider types that can perform services at a birthing center.
Because birthing centers will no longer be licensed by the State of Oklahoma, the state-mandated benefit will now require coverage of postpartum care following a vaginal birth that takes place:
- At home, or
- In a birthing center that is accredited by the Commission for the Accreditation of Birthing Centers.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma is updating our benefit booklet language in alignment with the mandate.