Montana Senate approves range of bills after floor debate on Medicaid coverage for doulas

The Montana Senate advanced a package of bills Tuesday and narrowly approved a measure to allow Medicaid reimbursement for state‑certified doulas after a robust floor debate.

Senators voted 30–20 to pass Senate Bill 319, which creates voluntary certification and regulation for doulas and allows the Department of Public Health and Human Services to provide Medicaid coverage for State‑certified doula services. Sponsor Senator Janet Newman said the program is small in cost and aimed at improving maternal outcomes; opponents raised concerns about Medicaid spending priorities.

Why it matters: The doula proposal would create a voluntary licensing pathway and a route for Medicaid reimbursement for certified doulas. Proponents argued the change could reduce postpartum mental‑health issues and improve access to birth support for low‑income women; opponents called the service nonessential for Medicaid and cautioned about expanding benefits without broader budgeting discussions.

Senate Bill 319 (doula certification and Medicaid coverage): Senator Newman, sponsor, told the Senate the bill was amended to change certain wording and that the certification component would distinguish paid, accountable providers from informal support. Majority Leader McGillivray opposed expanding…