July 10, 2026  – Federal investigators are raising concerns about the accuracy of maternal health provider networks in Medicaid managed care plans, warning that inaccurate provider information may be making it harder for pregnant beneficiaries to access care.

Two recent reports from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (OIG) found widespread inaccuracies in provider directories and network lists maintained by some of the nation’s largest Medicaid managed care organizations. The findings have renewed concerns about so-called “ghost networks,” in which providers appear to be available to patients but are either not participating in the plan’s network or cannot be reached using the information provided.

The issue is particularly significant because Medicaid finances more than 40% of births in the United States, and most pregnant Medicaid beneficiaries receive coverage through managed care plans. Federal officials noted that access to maternal health services plays a critical role in addressing the nation’s ongoing maternal health challenges.

The reports also identified significant gaps in provider directories. More than one-third of in-network maternal health providers were missing from some directories. Inaccurate contact information was another recurring problem. In many cases, phone numbers, addresses, or practice locations were outdated, making it difficult for patients to locate care.

Beyond affecting patients, investigators warned that inaccurate network data may hinder state oversight efforts. State Medicaid agencies rely on provider network information to determine whether managed care plans have sufficient provider capacity and meet network adequacy requirements. If those lists contain errors, states may not have an accurate picture of whether beneficiaries can actually access needed maternal health services.

The OIG recommended that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) work with states to improve the accuracy of provider data and strengthen accountability measures for managed care organizations. CMS agreed with the recommendations and indicated it would support efforts to improve provider directory accuracy and oversight.