California to Cover Doula Services at More Than Twice the Initial

California will cover doula services for low-income residents at $1154 per birth, more than twice the initial proposed rate. This move is seen as a step towards professionalizing nonmedical birth workers, but some advocates argue that the rate is still too low. **Doulas** have been shown to improve birth outcomes, such as lower rates of cesarean sections and more breastfeeding. The new benefit will take effect in January 2023 and cost $10.8 million a year. [[medicaid|Medicaid]] will cover the majority of the cost, with California paying about $4.2 million. The decision has been welcomed by some as a step towards reducing maternal mortality rates, especially for **Black mothers**, who die due to childbirth at a rate nearly three times that of **white mothers**. However, others argue that the rate is still not enough to ensure a living wage for doulas. [[gavin-newsom|Governor Gavin Newsom]] increased the proposed rate from $450 to $1154, but some advocates had sought as much as $3600 for each pregnancy and maternal support through a year after birth. [[california|California]]'s decision may set a precedent for other states to follow, with **Oregon** and **Rhode Island** already offering higher rates for doula services.

• California will cover doula services for low-income residents at $1154 per birth
• The new benefit will take effect in January 2023 and cost $10.8 million a year
• Medi-Cal will cover the majority of the cost, with California paying about $4.2 million
• The decision may not be enough to attract and retain doulas, who often have to be on call and may only be able to serve a limited number of clients per month
• The impact of the decision will depend on how it is implemented and whether it leads to improved health outcomes

The decision to cover doula services at $1154 per birth is a compromise between the initial proposed rate and the rate sought by advocates. While it is an improvement, it may not be enough to ensure a living wage for doulas. The new benefit will provide coverage for low-income residents, but it may not address the underlying issues of **maternal healthcare** disparities. The impact of this decision will depend on how it is implemented and whether it leads to improved health outcomes. [[healthcare-policy|Healthcare policy]] experts will be watching to see how this decision affects the broader healthcare landscape.

The decision to cover doula services at more than twice the initial proposed rate is a significant step forward for **maternal healthcare**. It recognizes the importance of doulas in improving birth outcomes and reducing maternal mortality rates. With **Medi-Cal** covering the majority of the cost, this benefit will provide critical support to low-income families. The increased rate may also encourage more people to become doulas, which could lead to better health outcomes for mothers and babies. [[health-insurance|Health insurance]] companies will also be impacted by this decision, as they will need to adjust their coverage and reimbursement rates for doula services.

The decision to cover doula services at $1154 per birth is a disappointment for many advocates, who had sought a higher rate. The rate may not be enough to attract and retain doulas, who often have to be on call and may only be able to serve a limited number of clients per month. This could lead to a shortage of doulas and undermine the effectiveness of the new benefit. Furthermore, the decision may not address the underlying issues of **maternal healthcare** disparities, particularly for **Black mothers**. [[social-justice|Social justice]] advocates will be closely watching to see how this decision affects marginalized communities.

Originally reported by California Healthline