Are Doulas Covered by Ohio? (2024 Updates)

Pregnancy and Postpartum Care for Everyone

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 insurance in Ohio is still rare. However, some insurance companies may offer reimbursement for doula services if they are considered part of maternity care.
  • If a plan does not directly cover doula services, you may be able to use a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) to pay for doula services.

3. Doula Pilot Programs:

  • Ohio has seen an increase in pilot programs and community-based initiatives, particularly in cities like Columbus and Cleveland, to make doula care more accessible and to explore insurance coverage as part of broader maternal health reforms.

4. Out-of-Pocket Costs:

  • Many families in Ohio still pay for doula services out-of-pocket. Doula fees typically range from $500 to $2,000, depending on the level of support provided (prenatal, labor, and postpartum).

To know for sure if doula services are covered under your specific insurance plan, it's important to contact your insurance provider directly. You may also request reimbursement from your insurer if you hire a doula, though success rates vary.