Expanding Access to Doula Care
Let's Talk About Expanding Access to Doula Care!
Multiple states across the US are beginning to explore doula benefits as a means for improving perinatal outcomes. There are pros and cons to this for sure. It's a little bit like fitting a square peg into a round hole... the systems aren't necessarily going to fit together with ease, but with conversations, we can help shape these policies so they work better for everyone.
The biggest thing we can do is be in the room, in discussion, when these policies are being created. To provide input, share needs & experiences as doulas on the ground doing this work, working with clients, running businesses, managing households, finances, etc. What are your thoughts on the doula benefits that are being created across various states? What are your experiences working with these systems so far? Share in the comments. I've also created a resource list to get you started with some research & exploration.
Health Workforce Technical Association Center (HWTAC) has hosted a webinar series discussing doula care. Here is the webinar recording from November of 2023. Yesterday, I had the honor of participating in a panel discussion on the doula policy efforts, and I will share that link when the webinar is made publicly available (or you can check back at their website).
Resources to Explore
Roundup of state implementation efforts
Legislative efforts to expand doula care in private insurance
Summary of state approaches to training/certification and recommendations for improvement
What, When, and How Long? Doula Time Use in a Community Doula Program in San Francisco, California
Getting Doulas Paid Policy Brief
Doula Services in Medicaid: State Progress in 2022
State Specific Details:
Research at UW CHWS
Rapid response brief on the doula workforce
Work on individual community-based doulas, their motivations, and barriers in providing care
What are your thoughts on the doula benefits that are being created across various states? What are your experiences working with these systems so far? Share in the comments.
Here are some great news from NYS - The New York Coalition for Doula Access has been doing some really amazing work to 1) establish a living wage standard for doulas in NY state provided through statewide Medicaid reimbursement, and 2) create a set of standards for doula friendly hospital designation for NYC/NY state. Originally the previous govenor (Cuomo) wanted to get doulas covered by Medicaid no matter what and then, there were great efforts and advocacy made by doulas across the state to stop that bill since it did not include a living wage standard (and required certification... among other issues). Recently the state senate voted on the One-house budged and -thanks to all the advocacy- it includes Medicaid Reimbursement for doula services at a rate of $1930 (incudes up to 8 prenatals or postpatum visits, - the highest in the nation so far) AND $10 million of the budget for appropriations for this Medicaid reimbursement. The Senate resolution for the budget can be found by googling Senate Resolution No. 555 by Senator Stewart-Cousins.
Here is an updated video link for the more recent conference RE doula benefit https://www.healthworkforceta.org/media-library/virtual-meeting-qa-growing-sustaining-and-supporting-the-birth-doula-workforce/