Nebraska committee hears bill to require Medicaid coverage for doula services

Nebraska Sen. Ashley Spivey, sponsor of LB701, told the Health and Human Services Committee the bill would define full‑spectrum doula services and require the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to convene a statewide, multidisciplinary stakeholder group to develop and submit a Medicaid state plan amendment to reimburse doula services for people covered by Medicaid.

Spivey called the state’s maternal‑health statistics alarming and said doulas — trained, nonmedical birth companions who provide emotional, informational and physical support before, during and after childbirth — are an evidence‑based intervention that can improve outcomes for birthing people and infants.

Committee members heard about existing pilot programs and local training efforts and were shown a draft amendment that would narrow the coverage language to Medicaid‑reimbursed doula services. Proponents — including practicing doulas, nurses, a CHI Health OBGYN and representatives of DONA International and community health clinics — described doulas’ role in birth planning, support during labor, postpartum follow‑up and addressing social needs such as…