Doula Services
NOW COVERED UNDER MEDI-CAL

What You Need
to Know

Implementation Date

The Department of Health Care Services (DCHS) added doula services as a covered benefit on January 1, 2023.

DHCS Submitted State Plan Amendment (SPA) 22-0002 to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and received federal approval for SPA 22-0002 on January 26, 2023.

Doula Services

Doula services include personal support to birthing persons and families throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum experience. This support encompasses emotional and physical assistance provided during pregnancy, labor, birth, and the postpartum period.

Recommendation Requirement

Pursuant to federal regulations, doula services must be recommended by a licensed healthcare provider.

Publication of Medi-Cal Provider Manual

DHCS published the Medi-Cal Provider Manual for doula services on December 16, 2022.

California Doulas

Doulas Looking to Become
Medi-Cal Approved

Visit the DCHS website for details, application, requirements and more.

DCHS Doula Program

Join Us for Free Medi-Cal PAVE Portal Trainings

Birthworkers Of Color Collective offers monthly Free PAVE PORTAL TRAININGS FOR CALIFORNIA DOULAS. California doulas learn how to register as a Medi-Cal provider via PAVE portal. We share about the requirements, the application process, and answer questions. Visit our social media to learn when our next PAVE training is taking place.

Note: We are unaffiliated with Medi-Cal, DCHS, & the state of CA.

Individuals & families looking for doula services covered under Medi-Cal

Doula Coverage Includes

Prenatal Support Visits
Postpartum Support Visits
Labor/ Birth Support

Benefits of Having a Doula

Research shows doulas can promote better health outcomes like decreased rates of cesarean sections, reduced need for pain medications, increased breastfeeding rates, and reduced health disparities for birthing people and their families.