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Insurance Boosts Access to Doula Care for Moms
21 Mar
Summary
- Major insurer UnitedHealthcare now covers doula services.
- Doula care is shown to improve maternal health outcomes.
- Expanded insurance coverage aims to make doulas more accessible.
UnitedHealthcare has become the first major insurer to offer doula benefits nationwide, with all employer-sponsored plans set to include this coverage by next year. This expansion aims to improve health outcomes for pregnant individuals, particularly women of color, by increasing access to doula care.
Doulas offer non-medical support, acting as advocates and coaches throughout pregnancy, labor, and postpartum. Studies indicate their involvement can decrease rates of preterm births, cesarean sections, and postpartum depression, addressing critical issues in maternal health.
Historically, doula services were often out of reach due to lack of insurance coverage. However, growing awareness of their benefits, coupled with state Medicaid mandates for doula coverage, is shifting this landscape, making this vital support more attainable for many.
