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Washington’s Apple Health Medicaid launches doula benefit; state and community groups build hub, referral and billing supports
Summary
State and community presenters reported early progress in implementing Washington’s Apple Health Medicaid doula benefit: the Department of Health has certified hundreds of doulas, the Health Care Authority reported initial enrollments and claims, and a community‑led Doula Hub report recommends directories, billing software and peer supports
Olympia — State officials and community advocates on July 22 gave the Senate Health and Long Term Care Committee an update on Washington’s new Apple Health Medicaid doula benefit, the companion doula hub and related outreach and certification work.
The state launched the Apple Health Medicaid doula benefit on Jan. 1, 2025. The Department of Health (DOH) began a voluntary doula credential in October 2023, and community organizations contracted with the Health Care Authority (HCA) to design a statewide hub and referral system to smooth referrals, certification, training and billing.
Why it matters: Presenters said doula care — emotional, physical and informational nonmedical support during prenatal, birth and postpartum care — is evidence‑based and linked to better birth outcomes, higher breastfeeding rates and fewer unnecessary…
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