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Senate Health and Welfare hears DVHA caution on Medicaid reimbursement for doula services in S.53
Summary
Witnesses and staff flagged potential health benefits and cost implications of covering doula services under Vermont Medicaid, while the Department of Vermont Health Access told the committee it cannot recommend coverage now because of budget and federal-approval constraints.
The Senate Health and Welfare Committee heard testimony that adding doula services to Vermont Medicaid could improve outcomes but would require new funding and federal approval.
Alex Crafton, identified himself as the director of communications and legislative affairs for the Department of Vermont Health Access, told the committee the department “is not able to recommend coverage of doula services at this time.” Crafton said Vermont Medicaid does not currently reimburse for doulas and the governor’s recommended budget contains no appropriation to pay for reimbursement under S.53.
Crafton said the department followed direction in Act 97 of 2024 to develop a reimbursement…
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