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Medicaid covers doulas after SPA approval; DHS reports early enrollee numbers
Summary
DHS said a state plan amendment adding doulas to Medicaid was approved and that 46 unique doulas and 65 service locations were enrolled as of the February update; the department said certification support is available through the Pennsylvania Doula Association.
HARRISBURG — The Department of Human Services told lawmakers that doulas are now a covered Medicaid provider after federal and state approvals, and the department reported early enrollment figures.
Secretary Acush said the State Plan Amendment for doulas has been approved and that as of February there were 46 unique individuals enrolled with 65 service locations. She added that 11 groups were enrolled as organizational providers and that DHS worked with the Pennsylvania Doula Association to make required doula certification available at no cost.
Nut graf: DHS said coverage and enrollment are beginning but that outreach and pipeline development will be important to grow doula availability for Medicaid and privately insured birthing people.
The department said it set reimbursement levels to be competitive with known private‑pay rates and that it will continue outreach to grow the doula workforce. Lawmakers asked how to expand the pipeline; DHS officials recommended public education and cross‑agency coordination for workforce development.
Ending: DHS encouraged legislators to continue outreach and support for doula certification and pipeline programs, noting early enrollment but saying greater scale will be needed to meet potential demand.
