The College has been in contact with the Ministry of Health identifying a number of issues that midwives have experienced with the Business Contribution payment process including those who have not yet received a letter of offer. In response the Ministry have asked that the following information from them be sent to midwives.

Important update about the Business Contribution Payment 2019/2020

Thank you very much to all the midwives who responded to the Business Contribution (BC) Letters of Offer. The Ministry received and processed 1,000 validly completed acceptance letters sent in prior to the 10 December deadline for payment in the 20 December 2019 payment run. This is 70% of all BC offers. These will be paid on the 20th of December 2019.

One of the difficulties has been not having midwives’ current contact details. Please make sure that the Ministry has your current mail and email address to avoid any delays with your BC Letter of Offer.

Please make sure that you meet the criteria for the BC Payment 2019/2020 listed on the Ministry’s website, such as current authorisation to claim under the Primary Maternity Services Notice and registrations received by the Ministry in the specified period.

Information about the BC Payment for new graduate midwives is available on the Ministry’s website.

The information about the Business Contribution Payment 2019/2020 can be found on the Ministry’s website at https://www.health.govt.nz/our-work/life-stages/maternity-services/lead-maternity-care-midwives-business-contribution-payment, as well as on the New Zealand College of Midwives and MMPO websites.

If you have any questions about the payment, please send these to primarymaternity@health.govt.nz, including if you think you qualify for the payment, but have not received a Letter of Offer from the Ministry.

The next payment is scheduled for March 2020, the deadline for responding to the Ministry to be included in this payment run is 15 March 2020. The offer remains open until 1 June 2020, which is the final date for responses to be sent to the Ministry in order to receive the payment.

The Ministry of Health appreciates your patience and cooperation.