Does Insurance Cover Doula Services? A Guide for California Families

If you're expecting a baby and considering hiring a doula, you've probably wondered about the cost. Professional doula services typically range from $800 to $3,000 or more, which can feel out of reach for many families.

Insurance coverage for doula services is expanding rapidly, especially in California. Many families can now access professional birth support without the hefty price tag.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about insurance coverage for doulas, including Medi-Cal coverage, private insurance options, and how to navigate the reimbursement process.

Does Medi-Cal Cover Doula Services in California?

Yes! This is one of the most significant recent changes in maternal healthcare access.

California's Doula Coverage Mandate

As of January 1, 2023, California became one of the first states to require Medi-Cal (the state's Medicaid program) to cover doula services. This landmark legislation recognizes doulas as essential healthcare providers who improve maternal and infant health outcomes.

What's Covered Under Medi-Cal

Medi-Cal covers:

• Up to 1 initial prenatal visit and 8 additional prenatal/postpartum visits (including up to 2 extended postpartum sessions of 3 hours each)
• Continuous labor and delivery support (in hospital or birth center settings when a licensed provider is present)
• Coverage is intended for births supported by licensed providers. Some optional services are not covered.

Who Qualifies for Medi-Cal Doula Coverage

Pregnant California residents enrolled in Medi-Cal generally qualify for doula services, subject to standard program eligibility and enrollment requirements. Medi-Cal pregnancy coverage is available to California residents who meet income requirements, and many pregnant people qualify.

How to Access Medi-Cal Doula Services

Finding a doula who accepts Medi-Cal can be challenging since reimbursement rates are lower than private pay rates. However, a growing number of doulas are enrolling as Medi-Cal providers to increase access.

Raya Health specializes in connecting California families with Medi-Cal-approved doulas, eliminating the frustration of calling dozens of doulas only to find they don't accept your insurance. Raya is in the majority of 23 Medi-Cal plans in California.

Private Insurance Coverage for Doulas

Beyond Medi-Cal, some private insurance plans are beginning to cover doula services, though coverage varies significantly by carrier and specific plan.

Which Insurance Companies Cover Doulas?

Coverage is evolving, but some insurers offering doula benefits include:

• Health Net: Some plans cover doula services, particularly their Medi-Cal managed care plans
• Blue Shield of California: Select plans include doula coverage
• Kaiser Permanente: Some Kaiser plans in certain regions offer doula benefits
• Anthem Blue Cross: Limited coverage depending on your specific plan 
• Cigna - Select plans
• United Healthcare - Select plans
• TriWest / TRICARE
• Kaiser Permanente Medi-Cal
• Local and regional Medi-Cal plans: Some smaller insurers and employer-sponsored plans include doula coverage, such as Sharp Health Plan, Western Health Advantage 

Some private insurance plans may offer partial reimbursement for doula services, though coverage is not guaranteed and varies by plan. Families should confirm benefits directly with their insurer.

While a few plans from insurers like Health Net, Blue Shield, and Kaiser may offer coverage, it may be limited, pilot-based, or require submitting a superbill.

What Private Insurance Typically Covers

When private insurance does cover doulas, benefits usually include:

• A set number of prenatal visits (often 1-3)
• Attendance at labor and birth
• One postpartum follow-up visit
• A maximum reimbursement amount (which may not cover the doula's full fee)

Some plans cover doulas as part of maternity care, while others categorize it as a wellness benefit or preventive service.

How to Check Your Private Insurance Coverage

To determine if your plan covers doula services:

1. Call the customer service number on your insurance card
2. Ask specifically about doula coverage: Use terms like "non-medical labor support," "birth doula," or "doula services"
3. Request the specific CPT code coverage: Doula services are billed under certain CPT codes.
4. Get information in writing: Ask for a confirmation email or reference number
5. Ask about in-network vs. out-of-network: Some plans only cover certain providers

Many insurance representatives may not be familiar with doula coverage since it's relatively new, so you may need to be persistent or ask to speak with a supervisor.

Understanding Insurance Reimbursement for Doulas

Even if your insurance doesn't directly cover doula services, you may still be able to get partial reimbursement.

Direct Billing vs. Superbill Reimbursement

There are two ways doulas work with insurance:

Direct billing: The doula bills your insurance directly, similar to how your doctor's office handles claims. This is the easiest option for families since you typically only pay your copay or coinsurance.

Superbill reimbursement: You pay the doula out-of-pocket, and the doula provides a detailed invoice (called a superbill) that you submit to your insurance for reimbursement. If approved, you receive a check for the covered amount.

Most doulas use the superbill method since becoming an in-network provider requires extensive paperwork and administrative overhead.

What's Included in a Superbill

A proper superbill for doula services should include:

• Your doula's name and contact information
• Their National Provider Identifier (NPI) number if they have one
• Tax ID or EIN number
• Dates of service
• Detailed description of services provided
• Appropriate CPT billing codes
• Total charges
• Your information and policy number

How to Submit a Superbill for Reimbursement

1. Pay your doula according to your contract
2. Request a superbill after services are completed
3. Complete your insurance claim form (usually available on your insurer's website)
4. Submit the superbill and claim form via mail, fax, or online portal
5. Follow up if you don't hear back within 30 days
6. Appeal if denied: Many initial denials are overturned on appeal

Keep copies of everything you submit and document all phone calls with your insurance company.

Using HSA and FSA Funds for Doula Services

Even without insurance coverage, you may be able to use tax-advantaged accounts to pay for doula services.

Health Savings Accounts (HSA)

If you have a high-deductible health plan with an HSA, doula services are considered a qualified medical expense. You can use HSA funds to pay for:

• Birth doula services
• Postpartum doula services
• Childbirth education classes taught by certified professionals

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

Similar to HSAs, FSA funds can be used for doula services. However, FSA funds typically must be used within the calendar year, so plan accordingly if your due date falls near the end of the year.

Dependent Care FSA

This is different from a healthcare FSA. Dependent Care FSAs are for childcare expenses and generally cannot be used for doula services since doulas provide maternal support, not childcare.

State-by-State Doula Coverage

While this guide focuses on California, it's worth noting that doula coverage is expanding nationwide.

States with Medicaid Doula Coverage

As of 2025, the following states have implemented or are implementing Medicaid doula coverage:

• California
• Colorado
• Kansas
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• Nevada
• New Jersey
• New York
• Oklahoma
• Oregon
• Rhode Island
• Virginia
• Washington, D.C.
• Florida

More states are considering legislation to add doula coverage, recognizing the potential for improved maternal health outcomes and reduced healthcare costs.

How to Advocate for Doula Coverage

If your insurance doesn't currently cover doula services, you can advocate for change:

For Individuals

• Contact your HR department: If you have employer-sponsored insurance, request that doula coverage be added
• Submit claims anyway: Even if your plan doesn't explicitly cover doulas, submit superbills—sometimes they're approved
• Write to your insurance company: Express interest in doula coverage as a plan benefit
• Appeal denials: Don't accept initial claim denials without appealing

For Communities

• Contact state legislators: Advocate for Medicaid doula coverage if your state doesn't have it
• Support doula organizations: Groups like DONA International and local doula collectives are working toward insurance recognition
• Share your story: Personal testimonials about doula support influence policy decisions
• Educate healthcare providers: When doctors and midwives support doula coverage, insurers listen

Finding Insurance-Friendly Doulas in California

Not all doulas accept insurance, and finding one who does can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. Here's how to streamline your search:

Questions to Ask Potential Doulas

• Do you accept Medi-Cal or private insurance directly?
• Can you provide a superbill for insurance reimbursement?
• Do you have experience with insurance billing?
• What information do you need from me regarding my insurance?
• Have other clients successfully received reimbursement through my insurance company?

Using Raya Health to Find Insurance-Covered Doulas

Rather than spending hours calling doulas to ask about insurance, Raya simplifies the process. The platform connects California families with doulas who accept their specific insurance, including Medi-Cal and private carriers.

This means you can focus on finding the right personality and approach match rather than getting discouraged by insurance rejections. Raya Health handles the logistics of insurance verification, helping you access the birth support you deserve.

Making Doula Support Accessible in California

The expansion of insurance coverage for doula services represents a significant step toward birth equity. No family should miss out on evidence-based labor support due to cost.

If you're in California and pregnant, you likely have more options for insurance-covered doula care than you realize. Whether you have Medi-Cal or private insurance, exploring your coverage is worth the effort.

Raya Health exists to make this process simple, connecting you with qualified doulas who accept your insurance so you can experience the proven benefits of continuous labor support. Every birthing person deserves compassionate, knowledgeable care throughout their journey into parenthood.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical, legal, or financial advice. Insurance coverage, benefits, and eligibility vary by plan and location. Always consult your healthcare provider, insurance company, or a qualified professional for guidance specific to your situation.