States are using a variety of approaches to provide Medicaid reimbursement for doula services in an effort to enhance the perinatal workforce and support access to care. Doulas provide physical, emotional, and informational support to women before, during, and after childbirth. Evidence suggests that pregnant women who receive doula care are more likely to have a healthy birth outcome and a positive birth experience1 — indicating the potential for cost savings over time.2 This chart highlights key components and features of states’ Medicaid doula benefits.
As of March 2026, 26 states and Washington, DC, provide Medicaid reimbursement for doula services. State coverage of services varies, including the type of services provided and number of prenatal and postpartum visits.
Read the accompanying policy brief: State Trends in Medicaid Coverage of Doula Services
Please email Anoosha Hasan, policy associate, with updates or questions about state Medicaid doula benefits.
Acknowledgments
Anoosha Hasan contributed to this publication through research. Karen VanLandeghem provided guidance and review. NASHP thanks the state Medicaid officials for their review. This project is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under the Supporting Maternal and Child Health Innovation in States Grant No. U1XMC54191; $396,167. This information, content, and conclusions are those of the authors and should not be construed as the official position or policy of, nor should any endorsements be inferred by HRSA, HHS, or the U.S. Government.
Endnotes
1 Sobczak, Alexandria, Lauren Taylor, Sydney Solomon, Jodi Ho, Scotland Kemper, Brandon Phillips, Kailey Jacobson, et al. 2023. “The Effect of Doulas on Maternal and Birth Outcomes: A Scoping Review.” Cureus 15 (5). doi.org/10.7759/cureus.39451.
2 Kozhimannil, Katy B., Rachel R. Hardeman, Fernando Alarid-Escudero, Carrie A. Vogelsang, Cori Blauer-Peterson, and Elizabeth A. Howell. 2016. “Modeling the Cost Effectiveness of Doula Care Associated with Reductions in Preterm Birth and Cesarean Delivery.” Birth 43 (1): 20–27. doi.org/10.1111/birt.12218.
