Insurance Articles

Insurance articles for parents, doulas, lactation consultants, and other perinatal care providers.

Apple Health Doula Billing Guide (Washington State Medicaid): A Step-by-Step Overview for 2025

Washington State is leading the way in supporting community-based birth workers. As of January 1, 2025, Apple Health (Washington State Medicaid) now fully covers birth doula services for eligible individuals, making doula care more accessible while compensating doulas at some of the highest rates in the nation—up to $3,500 per birth.Whether you're a practicing doula or looking to become one, this guide explains how to enroll as a provider, what services are covered, and how to get paid for your work through Medicaid.What Does Apple Health Cover for Doulas?Apple Health recognizes birth doulas as key members of the maternity care...

What States Cover Doula Care Through Medicaid in 2026?

As of March 2026, 27 U.S. states have implemented Medicaid coverage for doula services, recognizing the positive impact doulas have on maternal and infant health outcomes.States that cover doula care through Medicaid in 2026StateStart DateReimbursement RateArizonaOct 1, 2024Per-visit (no cap)CaliforniaJan 1, 2023Up to $3,200ColoradoJul 1, 2024$1,500ConnecticutJan 1, 2025$100/visit + $800 laborDelawareJan 1, 2024Per fee scheduleFlorida2019Varies by MCOIllinoisFeb 1, 2024Per fee scheduleKansasJul 1, 2024$1,295LouisianaJan 1, 2026Varies by MCOMarylandFeb 2022Up to $930MassachusettsDec 8, 2023Up to $1,700MichiganJan 1, 2023Up to $2,700Minnesota2014VariesMissouriOct 1, 20246 visits + delivery (rate varies)NevadaApr 2022$1,500–$1,650New Jersey2021Up to $1,065New MexicoOct 1, 2024Per fee scheduleNew YorkMar 1, 2024$1,350–$1,500OhioOct 3, 2024Up to...

How to Find Doulas Who Accepts Medicaid in West Virginia?

Finding doulas who accept Medicaid in West Virginia can be done through a few steps. Here's a step-by-step guide:Check with Medicaid Provider Directory: Start by checking Medicaid provider directory for West Virginia. The directory should include a list of healthcare professionals and service providers, including doulas.Online Search and Directories: Use online search engines and directories that specialize in healthcare providers who accept Medicaid. Websites like Bornbir may have directories where you can filter for doulas who accept Medicaid.Contact Local Doula Organizations: Reach out to local doula organizations or associations in West Virginia. They may have resources or be able to...

Are Doula Expenses Tax Deductible? (From CPA)

Yes, doula expenses can sometimes be tax deductible, but it depends on the specific situation and whether the doula’s services are considered medically necessary.Conditions for Doula Expenses to be Tax Deductible:Medical Necessity: If a doula provides services related to medical care or therapeutic support that a doctor has recommended, those expenses may qualify as a deductible medical expense. For example, if a doula helps address a medically significant condition (such as anxiety reduction in pregnancy), a portion of their services might be considered tax-deductible.FSA and HSA Eligibility: Some Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) or Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) allow funds to...

Why Don't Insurance Companies Cover Doulas? (2024 Updates)

Insurance companies often don’t cover doulas due to a few key reasons, primarily tied to traditional definitions of medical necessity, standardized billing, and provider credentialing:Medical Necessity and Licensing: Many insurance providers consider doulas a non-medical support service, as they don’t provide clinical or medical care. Since doulas focus on emotional, physical, and educational support, their services often fall outside the traditional scope of "medically necessary" services that insurers cover. Doulas aren’t licensed healthcare providers, which also influences insurers' decision to exclude them from standard coverage.Lack of Standardized Billing and Credentialing: Doulas are not widely recognized within the standardized billing systems...

Does Maven Clinic Cover Doulas? How to Find One?

Yes, Maven Clinic offers access to doulas as part of its comprehensive maternity and newborn care program. Members receive personalized, 24/7 support from a diverse care team, including OB-GYNs, doulas, lactation consultants, and more. Through Maven's virtual platform, members can connect with certified doulas who offer guidance and support throughout pregnancy, labor, and the postpartum period.Maven's virtual platform connects members with doulas who provide guidance throughout pregnancy, labor, and postpartum. This support aims to improve outcomes for both parent and child by easing stress, encouraging healthy behaviors, and offering continuous assistance. With BornBir, finding a doula who accepts Maven Clinic...

How to Find Medicaid Doulas in Vermont? (2024 Updates)

To find Medicaid-covered doula services in Vermont, you can follow these steps:Contact Vermont Department of Health:They can provide you with information on whether doula services are covered under the state's Medicaid program and guide you on how to access them.Match with Medicaid-Approved Doulas:Known as the "Airbnb" of doula support, simply answer six questions on BornBir, and you can match with top-rated Doulas near your zip code in 30 seconds, and it's a FREE service.Ask Healthcare Providers:Your healthcare provider, such as your obstetrician or midwife, may have information about Medicaid-covered doula services and can provide you with referrals.Online Search:Use online resources...

How to Find Medicaid Doulas in Wyoming? (2024 Updates)

Medicaid in Wyoming covers doula services. To find Medicaid doulas in Wyoming, you can follow these steps:Check the Wyoming Medicaid Program:Visit the official Wyoming Medicaid website to see if doula services are covered. Look for a directory or a list of Medicaid providers.Contact Medicaid:Call the Wyoming Medicaid office directly. You can inquire about doula services and find out which providers accept Medicaid. The customer service number can be found on their website or on your Medicaid card.Doula Associations and Networks:Use online search engines or directories that specialize in healthcare providers accepting Medicaid. Websites like Bornbir may have directories where you...

How to Find Doulas Near me that Accept AlohaCare in 2024?

Finding a doula near you who accepts AlohaCare can be done by following these steps:Check AlohaCare's Provider Directory: Visit the AlohaCare website and use their online provider directory to search for healthcare professionals, including doulas, in your area. This tool can help you locate doulas who accept AlohaCare coverage.Match with a Doula on Bornbir: Simply answer a few questions on the Bornbir platform to connect with local doulas who accept AlohaCare. This process is quick, and you can receive responses from approved doulas in just 30 seconds. Bornbir's service is free and provides an easy way to connect with providers.Contact...

Are Doulas Covered by Ohio? (2024 Updates)

In Ohio, doulas are not widely covered by insurance, but there are increasing efforts to include them under certain health plans. Here’s the current landscape regarding doula coverage:1. Medicaid:Yes, Ohio Medicaid covers doula services as of October 3, 2024. The Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM) began implementing coverage as part of its commitment to improve the health of pregnant women. This is part of broader efforts to improve maternal health outcomes, particularly for marginalized communities.Some Medicaid managed care organizations (MCOs) may offer limited coverage for doula services as part of maternal health initiatives.2. Private Insurance:Coverage for doula services under private...