The Michigan MLC's goals are:

1. The Michigan MLC will increase the knowledge and activism of influential decision-makers regarding the state’s existing midwifery practice, licensure/credentials, outcomes, and opportunities for expansion, particularly in BIPOC communities, by conducting live presentations on the topic with Michigan’s perinatal collaboratives, as measured by pre-presentation surveys of attendees with a desire to support the expansion of Midwifery practice in Michigan, to be completed by May 31, 2023.

2. We will articulate legislative barriers to Medicaid integration for midwives to Michigan legislators. Fact sheets designed for legislators will provide information on these barriers and state policy actions based on the legislative barriers documented (created by Birth Detroit). Data will be gathered based on how many legislators we meet with and how many legislators receive the handouts via email. This goal will be completed in May 2023.

3. We will implement Medicaid coverage for community birth and for Medicaid to reimburse midwives equitably. To achieve this goal, a midwife stakeholder group will address equitable reimbursement in all birth settings. Fact sheets will inform the state government on how the midwifery model is safe, saves money, and produces happier experiences for families. Success will be measured by the rate of reimbursement to midwives for Medicaid-covered births. This goal will be achieved by the end of the collaboration.

4. We will advocate for an increase in Midwives (CPM and CNM) in practice throughout the state, with a particular emphasis on improving the amount of Black, Indigenous, and people of color midwives. To achieve this goal, a fact sheet that provides information about the prenatal workforce and the importance of BIPOC providers will be created. Donation opportunities will be featured so people can contribute to this goal by creating a scholarship for those in need of financial support to attend midwifery school. This goal will be measured by healthcare workforce data that shows an increase in midwives. This goal will be achieved by the end of the collaboration.

5. We will address the absence of midwives in perinatal health leadership, discussions, and workgroups. To achieve this goal, the Institute for Medicaid Innovation, represented by the Michigan cohort, will share a call-to-action statement with MDHHS and perinatal quality collaboratives. Increased midwifery participation will be measured by more sustainable funding opportunities and participation in statewide perinatal health initiatives.