Medicaid Benefits for Doula Services

Doulas play a key role in addressing the maternal health disparities that impact expectant Black mothers and other women of color. With nearly 40% of all births in the United States (65% of Black births) covered by Medicaid, ensuring Medicaid recipients have access to quality doula care is essential.

SMC’s Founder and President, Shafia Monroe, MPH, DEM, CDT, championed HB 3311, resulting in Oregon becoming the first state in the nation to approve Medicaid reimbursement for doula services, in 2011.

Since then, there are approximately 30 states that either provide Medicaid doula benefits or are in the processing of implementing such coverage. Some states have Medicaid programs that cover doula services, while others do not. Additionally, some states that do cover doula services have specific requirements or limitations for coverage. It is recommended to check with your state’s Medicaid program for specific information on coverage for doula services.

SMC Doulas is currently an approved doula training program for Medicaid reimbursement in 12 states including Arkansas, California, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Virginia, Rhode Island, and Washington State.

States and Medicaid Coverage for Doula Services As of June 2025