EDITORS/NEWS DIRECTORS:
Doula care used to be a luxury reserved for those who could afford it. But now, doulas are becoming mainstream, with insurance coverage growing fast and parents from across the economic spectrum using them.
A rapidly expanding number of states – more than 30 at this point – reimburse doulas through Medicaid or are in the process of implementing such coverage, according to the nonprofit National Health Law Program. Private insurers are starting to do the same, with industry giant UnitedHealthcare launching a new benefit this year. Without insurance, costs vary widely but can exceed $2,000.
Why the change? Mounting research shows these trained, non-medical professionals can significantly improve the health of moms and babies. Not only do they provide physical and emotional support during pregnancy, birth and the postpartum period, they also advocate for patients and help them navigate the health system.
Expanding doula care, experts say, is a relatively inexpensive way to help reduce maternal mortality, which kills Black women at a rate more than three times higher than white women.
“Doulas can benefit everybody,” said Sierra Hill, maternal care access coordinator for Minnesota’s health department. “And that’s especially true for our communities that are facing a lot of inequities and health disparities.”
Below you can find state-by-state information and reporting tips on chronicling how insurance coverage and acceptance of doulas is changing in your state.
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READ AP'S STORY
Once a luxury for moms, doula care is going mainstream
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FIND YOUR STATE: WHERE ARE DOULAS REIMBURSED THROUGH MEDICAID?
The nonprofit National Health Law Program has a Doula Medicaid Project that tracks current state and federal efforts to expand access to doula care.
The group has a map and charts of states that have proposed, passed or are implementing legislative or administrative efforts related to Medicaid coverage for doula care. It's updated on an ongoing basis.
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CONSIDER THESE REPORTING THREADS
— Look at how doula care improves birth outcomes in your area. Talk with doctors and hospital officials about any improvements they have seen. Look for any local data that may be available. There are many national studies that have examined how doulas can help reduce birth complications and other problems. Have researchers in your area been involved in similar research?
— Talk with parents about their experiences with doulas. How did they connect with them? What kinds of help did they provide? What did this mean for these parents? Consider that doulas can really help improve the health of vulnerable moms and babies in underserved areas. Are there local moms who fit into these groups willing to share their stories?
— Look more deeply at how Medicaid coverage for doulas works in your region. How do moms get connected with doulas? Are their services free to the moms? Do any private insurers in your area currently cover doulas?
— Do any hospitals in your area have programs involving doulas? Look at how these programs came about. Talk with doctors, nurses and doulas about how their relationships have changed over time. Are medical professionals more accepting of doulas now that they are used more frequently?
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READ ADDITIONAL AP COVERAGE
Black fathers embrace resources to support their pregnant partners through birth
Michigan tops doula goal in push to improve maternal and infant health
Europe offers clues for solving America’s maternal mortality crisis
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