If you're pregnant or postpartum in California, you might be surprised to learn that doula care is now covered by all Medi-Cal plans—and in most major private insurance plans (such as Kaiser Permanente, Health Net, and Anthem Blue Cross).

This is a major win for birthing people and families seeking emotional, physical, and informational support during a time that’s often joyful but also overwhelming and uncertain.

In this post, we’ll break down what doula services are and what’s covered by insurance.

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What Is a Doula—and Why Does Their Support Matter?

A doula is a trained, nonmedical professional who supports you during the perinatal period—before, during, and after birth.

Doulas offer hands-on comfort during labor, help you understand your options, develop a birth plan, and provide emotional and practical support during postpartum recovery.

Many people have the preconceived notion that a doula’s job is mainly in the delivery room when you are in active labor. While doulas can play a major role during a labor & delivery process, their services are vital also in the months leading up to your due date and for the months after delivery.

In fact, some doulas exclusively provide doula support to the birthing person and new infant postpartum. Having an experienced professional can be vital in the “fourth trimester,” as the birthing person recovers from delivery and gets adjusted to new parenthood.

Research shows that continuous support from doulas is linked to:

• Lower rates of C-sections and epidural use
• Shorter labors
• Reduced rates of premature and low-birthweight births
• Improved breastfeeding outcomes
• Greater birth satisfaction and reduced anxiety during labor

In short: doulas improve health outcomes—and the experience of pregnancy, birth, and new parenthood.

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Which insurance plans cover doula services?

Medi-Cal (California’s Medicaid Program)

As of January 2023, Medi-Cal now includes doula services as a covered benefit for members who are pregnant or have been pregnant in the past 12 months. You do not need a referral, and there’s a standing statewide recommendation from DHCS’ Medical Director that applies automatically—no paperwork needed.

Doula care is covered whether you’re in a Medi-Cal Managed Care Plan (MCP) like Health Net or Kaiser Permanente, or enrolled in fee-for-service Medi-Cal (colloquially known as “straight Medi-Cal”). The same services apply in both systems.

Private Insurance (plan-dependent)

While California doesn’t require private plans to cover doulas, many private insurances offer reimbursement, with more adding this benefit every year.

You should check with your insurance directly to determine whether or not doula services are covered.

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What doula services are covered?

In general, most insurance plans follow the DHCS Medi-Cal visit structure for doula services:

• 1 initial 90-minute visit
• 8 perinatal visits (prenatal or postpartum)
• Labor and birth support
  • Support during miscarriage or abortion
• 2 extended postpartum visits, up to 3-hours each.Up to 9 extra postpartum visits with a second provider’s written recommendation

All services can be provided in person or virtually, including by phone, and there are no location restrictions.

Even if your pregnancy ends in miscarriage, stillbirth, or abortion, you are still entitled to doula support for up to one year postpartum.

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Who’s Eligible?

Medi-Cal members and other individuals whose insurance covers doula services are eligible for doula care if:

• They are pregnant, or
• Were recently pregnant (within the past year)

You do not need a new recommendation unless you're requesting the extended (9 additional) postpartum visits.

You may also start doula care in the postpartum period only, even if you didn’t receive prenatal support.

You may also receive doula care even if the pregnancy does not end in a live birth (i.e. in the event of an abortion, miscarriage, or stillbirth).

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What Doula Services Are Not Covered by Insurance?

As a general rule, insurance covers the following types of doula support:

• Creating a birth plan, so you feel prepared and confident about your preferences during labor
• Education and guidance throughout your pregnancy and postpartum journey, from someone trained to support you every step of the way
• Help navigating the healthcare system, like finding providers, understanding your options, and talking through how to navigate making decisions related to your pregnancy
• Emotional and physical support during labor and birth, including for miscarriage or abortion
• Education that’s grounded in research, covering topics like childbirth, postpartum recovery, newborn care, and what to expect
• Support with breastfeeding or chestfeeding, including help with positioning, latch, and managing common challenges
• Referrals to helpful resources in your community, like parenting groups, mental health support, housing help, and more

These services are designed to offer non-medical, holistic support that centers your needs, your choices, and your well-being.

The following offerings that doulas often provide are not reimbursable through insurance:

• Belly binding (including traditional or ceremonial practices)
• Birthing ceremonies (such as "sealing" or "closing the bones")
• Group classes on babywearing
• Massage, whether for the birthing person or infant
• Photography or videography of any kind
• Placenta encapsulation
• Shopping or errands
• Vaginal steaming
• Yoga sessions

However, doulas can provide the following services to insurance clients in two routes:

• Pro-bono - in these cases, the doulas are providing these services to you for free. They will only bill your insurance for covered services, but they may provide
• For a fee - doulas may also charge you for non-covered services at a rate that they set. However, they must give you the option to opt in or out of these additional paid services.

Ultimate, doulas are not medical professionals. Even if they have additional licenses, when they are acting as a doula, they are not providing you medical care. They will not:

• Diagnose medical conditions
• Provide medical advice
• Perform clinical assessments, physical exams, or medical procedures
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Closing thoughts

Doula services are now more accessible than ever in California, thanks to full coverage through all Medi-Cal plans and increasing support from major private insurers like Kaiser Permanente, Health Net, and Anthem Blue Cross. This means emotional, physical, and practical support during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum can be available to you without added financial stress.

Whether you’re navigating pregnancy for the first time or welcoming a new addition, having a doula by your side can improve both your health outcomes and your overall experience. From personalized guidance and birth planning to hands-on comfort during labor and compassionate postpartum care—even in cases of miscarriage, stillbirth, or abortion—doula care is designed to meet your unique needs.

If you’re covered by Medi-Cal or a private insurance plan that includes doula benefits, now is the perfect time to ask about your options. Reach out to your healthcare provider, your insurance company, or a trusted doula to learn how to access these vital services.

Remember, doulas provide non-medical support rooted in respect, education, and empowerment—they’re here to help you feel confident and cared for every step of the way.

With insurance coverage expanding, doula care in California is becoming a right, not a luxury.

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