DSS reminds providers: $14 doula add‑on and family‑medicine attestation due Sept. 5

The Department of Social Services (DSS) told participating providers on the webinar that practices partnering with doulas will receive a $14 monthly add‑on to the maternity case rate for doula and lactation supports, but that practices may opt out if they do not plan to contract with doulas.

"For doula care, that's a $14 monthly add on payment on top of your case rate," the presenter said. The opt‑out is available to practices that prefer not to add doulas to their administrative burden; DSS said payments will be subject to a retrospective true‑up to confirm the amount of doula services provided during the performance year.

DSS also reiterated that family medicine providers who render maternity care may be included in the maternity bundle if a practice submits a family‑medicine attestation. "That form, again, should also be submitted next Friday by September 5," the presenter said, adding that DSS will review family‑medicine attestation forms on a case‑by‑case basis.

The agency said both the opt‑out and family‑medicine attestation forms were distributed via each practice's CHN Provider Engagement Services (PES) representative and will be reflected in final case‑rate calculations prior to the program's next payment round. Providers were directed to return signed forms to their CHN PES representative by Sept. 5.

DSS asked providers with questions about doula integration or the attestation process to consult the slides and FAQ that will be posted on the DSS website and to contact the maternity‑bundle PES email or their CHN PES representative for follow‑up.