Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services joined together in 2024 to offer an unprecedented and truly unique opportunity to implement CenteringPregnancy® in Michigan.

Blue Cross Blue Shield Michigan (BCBSM)

The BCBSM is focused on improving patient experience and outcomes for pregnant mothers and their newborn babies. BCBSM through the Physician Group Incentive Program (PGIP) is partnering with the Centering Healthcare Institute (CHI) to increase adoption of the CenteringPregnancy model.

Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS)

In August of 2023, the Governor and Michigan legislature passed HB 443, which appropriated $5 million to increase access to the CenteringPregnancy model of prenatal care for Michigan families. The following year an additional $2.5 million was dedicated to CenteringPregnancy.

Evidence shows that the CenteringPregnancy model:

1. Reduces the rates of preterm birth, low birth weight babies and NICU admissions.
2. Improves prenatal and postpartum visit compliance.
3. Improves access to high-quality and patient-centered maternity care for communities in Michigan.

Implementation grant award details

Centering Healthcare Institute (CHI) will manage site selection and award distribution on behalf of this private-public partnership for 5 awards.

This grant will cover one year of implementation support from the CHI team, including:

• Centering365 implementation plan
  • Remote support from a dedicated CHI Advisor
  • Centering launch site visit
  • Site accreditation visit and determination
  • Centering facilitation training for four participants per practice
• Patient curriculum materials and leader kit
• CHI marketing materials
• Annual site license fee
• Monetary support of up to $50,000*

Please see the allowable expenses:

Hospital or FQHC System level grant award details

Centering Healthcare Institute (CHI) will manage site selection and award distribution on behalf of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services for 1-2 systems awards for those interested in scaling Centering to 3-10 sites within their facilities.

This grant will cover one year of implementation support from the CHI team, including:

• Centering365 implementation plan
  • Remote support from a dedicated CHI Advisor
  • Centering launch site visit
  • Site accreditation visit and determination
  • Centering facilitation training for four participants per practice
• Patient curriculum materials and leader kit
• Annual site license fee
• Monetary support up to $90,000 per site within the system expansion*

Please see the allowable expenses:

*All practices within PGIP may be eligible to receive additional funds from BCBSM. Practices should be in contact with their PGIP Physician Organization about this opportunity to ensure that Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan is aware of their intent to participate for additional potential financial incentives being offered directly from BCBSM.

Qualification Criteria

• Have adequate patient volume for group care.
• Have a group space identified that is appropriate for CenteringPregnancy (if the room is not dedicated, Centering will have priority use).
• All applicants must submit a completed Centering Readiness Assessment (RA) and meet the basic requirements for becoming and remaining a Centering practice. A follow-up call with CHI is part of the RA process.

How to Enroll

Please submit a Centering Readiness Assessment and schedule a follow-up call with Mary Fitzmaurice, CNM MSN (mfitzmaurice@centeringhealthcare.org). Please indicate that you are interested in being considered for this opportunity and mention participation in the PGIP Initiative.

Expectations of Participants

Participants will be required to complete the following documentation before starting implementation.

• Master Site License
• Account Information Form
• Centering Sub Award Contract for Funding
• Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)

Submission Timeline

There is no deadline for application. Practices will be offered training on a first come first serve basis until all awards have been granted.

Questions

For questions regarding the Centering model, Centering readiness guidelines, licensure, and accreditation, please submit an inquiry to CHI.

For any questions regarding participation in this opportunity, please feel free to contact Mary Fitzmaurice at mfitzmaurice@centeringhealthcare.org.