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Upcoming billing change could make pregnancy pricier

June 3, 2026 / 5:00 AM EDT / KFF Health News

Upcoming billing change could make pregnancy pricier

TL;DR

  • New billing codes for maternity care, shifting from bundled payments to fee-for-service, take effect in January.
  • The change, supported by the American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists (ACOG), aims to accurately reflect diverse patient needs and the care provided by multiple practitioners.
  • Patient advocates and employers express concern that the new system may lead to higher out-of-pocket costs for patients, especially those with high-deductible health plans.
  • The shift could allow for more personalized care, accommodating varying numbers of visits and services, and improve tracking of postpartum care.
  • Insurance industry representatives are concerned about the timeline for implementing these significant operational changes.