Addressing Maternal Health Disparities: Doula Access in Medicaid
Women using doulas in Medicaid have fewer inpatient hospital admissions during pregnancy, are more likely to attend their postnatal visit, experience lower odds of cesarean delivery, have lower odds of postpartum depression or anxiety, and have lower overall costs compared to women not using doulas.
Several states reimburse for doula services for pregnant women enrolled in Medicaid. Doulas provide person-centered care to pregnant and postpartum women through information, education, and physical, social, and emotional support. Elevance Health examined the use of and outcomes from doula services offered by Elevance Health’s affiliated Medicaid managed care plans in three states: California, Florida, and New York.
The findings from this analysis suggest that doulas offer a personalized and effective approach for improving delivery of culturally competent maternal health care and mitigating birth inequities. State Medicaid programs should continue to consider reimbursing for doula services as part of their overall maternal health strategies.
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