Many states are expanding access to doula services to improve maternal and infant health outcomes. Doulas are non-clinical professionals who provide emotional, physical, and informational support during pregnancy, labor and delivery, and the postpartum period. Medicaid coverage can make these services more accessible, but states must consider how benefit design, payment, and administrative requirements affect access and the doula workforce.

This brief is designed primarily for Title V Maternal and Child Health program staff and their partners. It outlines Medicaid approaches for covering doula services and practical considerations for implementation. The brief describes state plan amendments — formal agreements with the federal government that define Medicaid coverage — and managed care value-added benefits. It also highlights strategies for stakeholder engagement, service scope, training and certification, reimbursement, provider enrollment, credentialing, and workforce sustainability.

This brief is a product of the Center for Maternal and Child Health Medicaid Partnerships (CMMP), a national TA center supporting state Medicaid and Title V agencies in strengthening their partnerships and improving MCH coordination. CMMP is managed by Altarum in partnership with the Center for Health Care Strategies (CHCS), Family Voices, and the Association for Maternal and Child Health Programs (AMCHP).

The Center for Maternal and Child Health Medicaid Partnerships is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of an award totaling $1,999,021.00 with 0% financed with non-governmental sources. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA, HHS, or the U.S. Government. For more information, please visit HRSA.gov.