(LANSING) - State Representative Jennifer Wortz this week announced a bipartisan plan to support group prenatal care.

The plan is an innovative service that allows pregnant moms to bond and support each other while receiving quality health care.

House Bills 4703 and 4704 would require Michigan’s Medicaid program and private health insurers to cover group prenatal care. In group prenatal care, pregnant women or expecting couples can participate in prenatal care sessions together. The group care option provides essential health care, while enabling moms and dads to get to know each other and build a support network that can continue after their babies are born.

Wortz, a Republican from Quincy, says the journey of pregnancy and parenthood is one of life’s greatest joys, but it is also challenging. She says that’s why many pregnant women, especially first-time moms, are participating in group prenatal care. Wortz says they get the health care they and their babies need, more time with their practitioners, and strong connections with other moms.

Studies have shown that group prenatal care can improve health outcomes for pregnant women and their babies. The group appointments can also be more cost-effective for insurers than individual appointments.

In addition to Wortz’s legislation, a Republican and a Democrat in the Senate introduced a matching pair of bills earlier this month.

House Bills 4703 and 4704 were referred to the Committee on Insurance.