This year, for the first time, California families can get a doula through the state’s low-income health insurance program.
But first doulas need to navigate a paperwork gauntlet to become a Medi-Cal provider and contract with one or more of the state’s two dozen Medi-Cal managed care plans.
More than 100 doulas have already applied to be a part of the program and early data shows Riverside County has the most birth workers enrolled of any county in the state.
Doulas provide physical and emotional support before, during and after birth. Research shows doula support is associated with healthier pregnancies and babies.
What is Medi-Cal?
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Medi-Cal is California’s public healthcare program for low-income residents and pregnant people. In other states, this program is called Medicaid. About 11 million people are enrolled across California.
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Find out how to apply online.
“A lot of times doulas are there just to make sure that the voice of the family is heard, that the birthing person’s desires are meant,” said Shené Bowie-Hussey, a doula for more than two decades and the vice president of health strategies at the Riverside Community Health Foundation.
Traditional health insurance on the private market doesn’t typically cover doulas and the out-of-pocket cost is out of reach for many families.
Including doula support as a Medi-Cal benefit has the potential to greatly increase access to the support they provide — an estimated 40% of…
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