An Act relative to insurance coverage for doula services
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Progress
Where this bill stands in the legislative process.
- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To Governor
- Became Law
Overview
This bill seeks to require Massachusetts health insurance plans to cover doula services. Doulas provide emotional, physical, and informational support to birthing people during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum. The legislation aims to increase access to these services, which can improve birth outcomes and support birthing people’s overall well-being.
Key provisions
- Requires private health insurance plans in Massachusetts to cover doula services.
- Defines ‘doula services’ to include various forms of support.
- Allows for reimbursement of doula services under Medicaid.
- Establishes a process for the Department of Public Health to monitor coverage and ensure equitable access.
Who is affected
- Pregnant people
- Health insurance companies
- Doulas
- Healthcare providers
- The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Notable changes
- Currently, doula services are not universally covered by Massachusetts health insurance.
- This bill would establish a mandatory coverage requirement.
Bill text
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Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
4 on record
Primary sponsor
Cosponsors
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