OHA release - Families in rural Oregon will soon see stronger, more reliable maternity care thanks to new federal funding approved by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Governor Tina Kotek has secured state funding that will help keep maternity care services strong and stable in some of the state’s most remote areas. With funds matched by the federal government now in place, Oregon will invest up to $37.5 million in 21 rural hospitals across 17 counties.  Many rural hospitals have been under financial pressure, especially with recent federal changes to Medicaid funding. These challenges have made it harder for some hospitals to keep labor and delivery units open. This new funding will help hospitals maintain quality maternity care, hire and keep skilled staff and upgrade important medical equipment.  It will also support good paying jobs and help improve care for Oregon Health Plan (OHP) members, who make up nearly half of all births in the state.