Great news for expectant parents in Washington! As of January 1, 2025, the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) now reimburses eligible birth doulas for providing support to Apple Health (Medicaid) clients during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum recovery. The new policy dictates that birth doulas are eligible for a $3,500 payment per delivery, the highest Medicaid reimbursement for doulas in the country.

This new benefit helps ensure that more families, especially those most impacted by birth disparities, have access to critical, evidence-based support. Studies show that birth doulas have even greater positive impacts for Black, Indigenous, and other people of color, who often face disparities in maternal health outcomes.

Why This Matters

Birth doulas are trained, nonclinical professionals who provide emotional, physical, and informational support during pregnancy, labor, and up to 12 months postpartum. Research shows that doula care leads to:

Fewer unnecessary c-sections and medical interventions.
Lower rates of preterm birth.
Higher breastfeeding success.
Greater patient satisfaction and infant well-being.

Eligible Apple Health clients can now receive:

One 2-hour prenatal intake visit.
Continuous labor and birth support.
Up to 20 hours of additional prenatal and postpartum visits.
One comprehensive postpartum visit (1.5 hours).

How to Access Doula Services

Apple Health clients: You can find a Medicaid-accepting doula using HCA’s Find a Provider tool.
Doulas: To be reimbursed, you must complete the Washington State Department of Health birth doula certification and follow HCA’s billing guidelines.

Stay Informed

For full details, visit the HCA's doula webpage and sign up for HCA doula bulletins to stay up to date on policy updates and resources.

This is a major step forward for birth equity and maternal health in Washington—spreading the word can help more families benefit from this crucial support!

Washington expands Medicaid to cover birth doula services