Bill Requiring Insurance, Medicaid for Doula Services to be Reintroduced
GoLocalProv News Team
Bill Requiring Insurance, Medicaid for Doula Services to be Reintroduced
“While we are disappointed that the doula bill did not pass this year, we are hopeful for the future and look forward to reintroducing the bill next year. Doulas are an incredibly important resource for pregnant women, particularly women of color, whose maternal mortality rate is significantly higher than that of white women. Ensuring that doula services are covered by insurance will save the lives of women of color, and will ensure that they will be around to watch their children grow up,” said Ranglin-Vassell.
The bill previously passed the Senate, but was held for further study in the House.
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Doulas are trained healthcare professionals who provide the mother with continuous physical, emotional and informational support during pregnancy, childbirth and the first few weeks after giving birth.
The bill aims to achieve healthier outcomes for women and babies during childbirth. In particular, the bill aims to help black women, who experience significantly higher rates of death or injury during childbirth than white women do.
“All women, but particularly women of color, who are three to four times more likely to die due to pregnancy-related reasons than white women, should be encouraged to use a doula during pregnancy and childbirth," said Ranglin-Vassell.
Under the bill, services from a trained, qualified doula would be eligible for up to $1,500 in coverage per pregnancy through both private insurance and Medicaid, including the state medical assistance program.
Additionally, the bill would set industry standards and create a statewide registry of doulas in order to help women connect with a professional and ensuring that the work of the doula is fairly compensated.
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