Doula Services Now Available for Medi-Cal Members: What You Need to Know

Good news for Medi-Cal members! If you are pregnant or were pregnant within the past year, you can now get Doula support through your Medi-Cal benefits. Doulas are trained birth workers who offer emotional, physical, and informational support during pregnancy, labor, birth, and the postpartum period. They also provide care after miscarriage, abortion, or stillbirth.

Research shows that having a Doula can lead to better health outcomes. Studies have found that Doula support is linked to lower rates of C-sections, shorter labor times, fewer preterm births, healthier birth weights, and higher breastfeeding success. Doulas also help lower stress and anxiety during labor, making the birthing experience more positive overall.

What Doula Services Are Covered?

Under Medi-Cal, you can receive:

• One initial visit

• Up to eight more prenatal or postpartum visits

• Support during labor and delivery, including support after miscarriage or abortion

• Two extended postpartum visits (each visit lasting three hours)

If you need more postpartum visits, you can ask your doctor or another licensed provider to recommend them. This coverage is available if you receive services from a Managed Care Plan (MCP) or Fee-for-Service direct from the State. Bottomline, if you have Medi-Cal, you can access a Doula.

Medi-Cal has made it easier for members to access Doulas. A standing recommendation from the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) allows you to start using Doula services without needing a special referral for the first set of visits.

Source: Department of Health Care Services. (n.d.). Doula Services for Medi-Cal Members. Retrieved from Doula-Services-Members