§ 530 — Coverage for doula services

(a) As used in this section:

(1) “Carrier” means any entity that provides health insurance under § 505(3) of this title.

(2) “Doula services” means services provided by a trained doula and designed to provide physical, emotional, and educational support to pregnant and birthing persons before, during, and after childbirth. “Doula services” include the following:

a. Support and assistance during labor and childbirth.

b. Prenatal and postpartum support and education.

c. Breastfeeding assistance and lactation support.

d. Parenting education.

e. Support for a birthing person following loss of pregnancy.

(b) Beginning January 1, 2024, all carriers shall provide coverage of doula services that includes all of the following:

(1) Three prenatal visits, of up to 90 minutes.

(2) Three postpartum visits, of up to 90 minutes.

(3) Attendance through labor and birth.

(c) Coverage must be provided for additional postpartum doula visits with a recommendation by a practitioner or clinician licensed under Title 24 acting within their scope of practice.

(d) The Division of Medicaid and Medical Assistance shall establish, in collaboration with stakeholders, a process for doulas to be certified and to enroll as participating providers, as well as a reimbursement rate for doula services that supports a livable annual income for full-time practicing doulas.

Legislative History

83 Del. Laws, c. 366, § 1 ; 84 Del. Laws, c. 159, § 1 ; 84 Del. Laws, c. 291, § 1