Commission flags birthing-hospital closures, workforce shortages and upcoming reimbursement changes

Commissioners at the Ellen Story Commission on Postpartum Depression devoted substantial time Wednesday to concerns about birthing-hospital closures and workforce capacity.

Commissioner Tiffany Moore Simas said there was a public announcement that Methuen plans to close its birthing hospital or inpatient obstetric unit and urged the commission to examine where policy or advocacy could help preserve access.

Commissioner Jane (clinical and neurodevelopmental psychologist) and others discussed workforce dynamics as a key driver of closures, noting that in recent residency match cycles there have been more medical students applying to obstetrics and gynecology than there are residency training slots. They said Massachusetts underuses federal matching funds for residency positions and suggested pursuing funding to expand training capacity.

Speakers connected workforce shortages to potential impacts on access and outcomes, asking whether some communities could become ‘maternity deserts’ where patients cannot reach a hospital within 30 minutes. Commissioners proposed possible follow-up steps including drafting a letter to the executive branch outlining challenges and recommending options to increase training slots and support community-based care.

The group also flagged an upcoming change in how obstetric care is reimbursed (an end to the OB global payment system slated for January 2027) and discussed how payment reform might create opportunities to reimburse for mental-health care integrated into perinatal care.

The commission asked staff to collect information and return recommendations for possible commission action and outreach to legislators and regulators.