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Elizabeth M. Whitehorn, Director

Provider Notice issued 12/20/13

Chapter BC-200, Handbook for Birth Center Services – Availability on the Internet

To: ​ All Medical Assistance Program Providers​
Date:​ December 20, 2013​
Re:​ Chapter BC-200, Handbook for Birth Center Services – Availability on the Internet​

Per recent rule adoption to 89 Illinois Administrative Code Section 146, licensed birth centers may enroll to provide services under the department's medical programs. A birth center is defined as an alternative healthcare delivery model that is exclusively dedicated to serving the childbirth-related needs of women and their newborns, and has no more than 10 beds. A birth center is a designated site in which births are planned to occur following a normal, uncomplicated, and low-risk pregnancy, and which is away from the mother's usual place of residence.


A new Handbook for Birth Center Services, in conjunction with the Handbook for Providers of Medical Services, Chapter 100, General Policy and Procedures, provides information necessary for birth centers to enroll and receive payment from the department for birth center covered services. Rates are identified in the Birth Center Fee Schedule on the department's website.

Birth centers licensed under Illinois Department of Public Health rules at 77 Illinois Administrative Code, Part 265 and enrolled by the department are eligible for reimbursement of the following services:

  • Delivery Services

  • Observation Services

  • Facility Transfer Fee

All birth center facility payments are subject to the department's 3.5% rate reduction resulting from Public Act 097-0689 (pdf), known as the SMART Act.

Any questions may be directed to a UB-04 medical assistance consultant in the Bureau of Hospital and Provider Services at 1-877-782-5565.

Theresa A. Eagleson, Administrator

Division of Medical Programs