Medicaid Doulas and How to Find One

More states are covering doula care through Medicaid. Here’s how coverage works where you live and how to find a doula who accepts Medicaid.

Why Medicaid Doula Coverage Matters

Doulas provide emotional, physical, and informational support during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. When Medicaid covers doula services, more families can access this care at little or no cost. Coverage and rules differ by state—and sometimes by plan within a state.

Below is a state-by-state overview of how Medicaid doula coverage works, starting with Texas, then expanding to other states where we have detailed information.

How It Works in Texas

Texas

Pilot programs only

No statewide doula birth benefit some pilots and limited reimbursements for social needs screenings

Some MCOs may offer pilots or value add benefits

State requires minimum postpartum hospital stay lengths in many plans

Medicaid Doula Coverage by State

Coverage and eligibility can change. Always confirm with your Medicaid plan or state agency.

California

Covered statewide

Medi-Cal covers doula support for prenatal visits labor and delivery miscarriage abortion and up to one year postpartum in fee for service and managed care

Covered in fee for service and Medi-Cal managed care plans

AB 904 extends doula coverage to many commercial plans

New Jersey

Covered statewide

NJ FamilyCare covers doula care during pregnancy birth and postpartum

Covered through NJ FamilyCare plans policy details may vary by plan

State operates a Perinatal Episode of Care program

New York

Covered statewide

Medicaid covers doula services at no cost to members

Managed care must pay at least fee for service equivalent

Special enrollment rules help pregnant people enroll outside open enrollment

Florida

Varies by plan

Some managed care plans reimburse doulas for prenatal labor and postpartum support

Reimbursement and visit counts vary by plan

Healthy Start and other programs add education and case management

Other states

Many other states are expanding or piloting Medicaid doula coverage. If your state isn’t listed above, contact your state Medicaid agency or your managed care plan to ask whether doula services are covered and how to find an in-network doula.

How to Find a Medicaid Doula

1. Check your state and plan

Use the state details above to see if Medicaid covers doulas where you live. If coverage varies by plan, call your Medicaid managed care plan and ask: “Do you cover doula services for pregnancy and birth? How do I find a covered doula?”

2. Search for doulas in your area

BirthBridge lets you browse doulas by location. Many doulas list whether they accept Medicaid or work with Medicaid-covered clients.

Find a Doula Near Me

3. Ask about payment when you connect

When you message or meet a doula, ask whether they accept Medicaid, what paperwork or referrals your plan requires, and if they offer sliding-scale or other options if you don’t have coverage.

See What Birth Services Cost Near You

Our birth cost calculator shows typical doula and other birth-service costs by state—whether you’re using Medicaid or paying out of pocket.

Use the Birth Cost Calculator

Ready to Find Your Doula?

Browse doulas in your area, filter by specialty, and connect directly. It’s free to search.

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