This policy brief compares the implementation of six state Medicaid doula programs, as of February 28, 2025, looking at their timelines, approaches, and program features.
In this policy brief, Emma Mairson discusses how state Medicaid programs are increasingly opting to cover doula services in an attempt to help address racial inequities in birth and postpartum outcomes. States have taken a wide range of approaches to implementing these new benefits, resulting in varying timelines, approaches, and program features, such as professional requirements for doulas, referrals, reimbursement, and visit schedule and services. This brief explores the implementation of Medicaid doula policies in 6 states that are participating in Project DREAM, including Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Virginia.