15 Hospitals Close Maternity Units in First Half of 2026
Fifteen hospitals closed labor and delivery services in the first half of 2026, continuing a trend that saw 29 closures in the prior year. The closures are driven by financial pressures, staffing shortages, and declining birth rates. The pattern reflects ongoing consolidation in maternity care delivery that affects network adequacy and access to prenatal and delivery services. These closures require Medicaid managed care plans to assess network gaps and ensure adequate coverage for pregnant members.
Maternity unit closures directly affect MCO network adequacy obligations and may trigger member reassignment, increased transportation costs, and heightened risk for adverse maternal and infant health outcomes in affected service areas.
Maternal · Managed Care
You might also like