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Doulas say Medicaid benefit hampered by credentialing, billing and delayed payments

5873685 · September 30, 2025
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Summary

Local doulas told the Committee on Health that DC’s Medicaid doula benefit is difficult to access because of long credentialing times with DHCF and individual MCOs, inconsistent billing rules across plans and unpaid claims that forced some providers to stop services.

At a Sept. 30 roundtable, multiple doulas described administrative obstacles that they say are limiting the District’s Medicaid doula benefit and constraining service to birthing parents.

Crystal Jackson, owner of Aqui Grama Doula Services and co‑lead of the Doula Learning Action Collaborative, told the Committee on Health she spent about a year enrolling with DHCF and then months attempting to contract with MCOs. “After a lengthy process, I did establish a contract with two other MCOs, which took about six months,” Jackson said. She reported that she has not received reimbursement for services delivered since March and has paused a WellPoint contract because of nonpayment.

Gina Val…

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