State launches Apple Health doula benefit; advocates build hub and directory to expand access

The Washington Health Care Authority and community doula advocates told the Senate Health and Long Term Care Committee on July 22 that Apple Health (Medicaid) now covers birth doula services statewide, state certification and provider enrollment are growing, and a community‑designed doula hub and referral system is moving from planning to implementation.

Why it matters: Advocates and agency staff said doula services improve birth outcomes, reduce unnecessary interventions and help address maternal health inequities for Black, Indigenous and other communities of color; the committee heard current program data and next steps to scale referral, enrollment and billing support.

What is covered and how the benefit works: Beth Tinker, clinical nurse specialist at the Health Care Authority, said the Apple Health doula benefit launched Jan. 1, 2025. Covered services include a prenatal intake visit, labor and delivery support (in…