did you know doula services are fully covered and can be provided at no cost to Medi-cal recipients?

Medi-Cal Coverage FAQs

  • Thr Medi-Cal doula benefit includes:

    • One initial visit.

    • Up to eight standard visits that may be provided in any combination of prenatal and postpartum visits.

    • Support during labor and delivery (including labor and delivery resulting in a stillbirth), abortion, or miscarriage.

    • Up to two extended three-hour postpartum visits after the end of a pregnancy.

    • *Potentially eight additional postpartum visits, if signed off by your provider.

    • You can use these benefits from the moment you learn you are pregnant, up to one year postpartum!

      • Which means, as long as your first doula visit occurs before your baby’s first birthday, you are covered!

    • No you do not need your provider’s permission to access the standard amount of doula care. Once you learn you are pregnant, you can start working with a medi-cal enrolled doula right away!

      • Note: The doula benefit does allow for 8 additional doula visits. If you are in need of extra doula care, these visits do need to be signed off by your provider.

  • Yes! As long as the doula you would like to work with is Medi-Cal enrolled, and is able to bill your managed care plan!

    • Ask your doula if they are eligible to bill for you before working with them!

    • Your managed care plan is the insurance provider that is carrying out your Medi-Cal services. For example: Kaiser, Partnership, etc.

      • In some cases, someone may not have a managed care plan. This may be due to a recent move, a hiccup in choosing a care plan, or other things that come up that may have cased you to have what is referred to as “Straight Medi-Cal.” You still are eligible for doula benefits with “Straight Medi-Cal” and should not be denied services for this reason.

Step One: Find a Doula!

  • You should first contact your Managed Care Plan (MCP) and ask for a list of credentialed doulas in your area! You may also be able to find this list online on your MCP’s website/Member portal

  • You can also find doulas:

    • Out in your community: Going to local community events such as prenatal groups, childbirth education classes, community baby showers, maternal health conferences, meet the doula nights, etc can help put you in touch with the doulas in your community!

    • Doula Agencies: Some agencies will match you with a doula who is Medi-cal enrolled and available for your due date. Be sure to confirm the agency works with Medi-cal enrolled doulas and your managed care plan!

    • Doula Directories: There are lots of online doula directories that allow you to filter for your needs and your area.

      • You can find the DHCS Medi-Cal Doula Directory Here

Step Two: Interview your Doula

  • Most Doulas offer a free consultation to get to know each other. This is your opportunity to ask any questions you have about the services they provide.

  • Make sure to confirm that your doula is Medi-Cal enrolled, and is credentialed with your Managed Care Plan!

Step Three: Receive Support!

  • Once you have found a doula that meets your needs and is able to bill for your services, you will work out a contract and set a plan for your care!

  • Your doula will likely ask you to share your Medi-Cal ID Card, along with some other information to verify your eligibility.

Steps to utlize your medi-cal doula benefit

Imani’s Managed care plan

I am a Medi-cal enrolled doula! I am currently credentialed with the following Managed Care Plans:

  • Kaiser Permanente Northern California

  • Partnership Health Plan

The following health plans are currently pending:

  • Alameda Alliance for Health

  • Contra Costa Health Plan

  • San Francisco Health Plan

  • Anthem Blue Cross

  • Molina Healthcare