Olympia - The Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) launched a new birth doula benefit for Apple Health (Medicaid) on January 1, 2025. Birth doulas in Washington can now get reimbursed for services provided to Apple Health clients. The benefit launch follows a joint statewide recommendation for doula services from HCA and the Department of Health (DOH).

Birth doulas are trained, nonclinical professionals who provide emotional, physical, and informational support to pregnant, birthing, and post-pregnancy people and their families. There is strong evidence that birth doula services are associated with improved perinatal and birth outcomes, including:

• Decreased unnecessary c-sections and other medical interventions
• Decreased preterm delivery
• Increased breastfeeding rates
• Increased patient satisfaction with care
• Improved infant well-being at birth

Evidence supports doula services are associated with greater positive impacts for Black, Indigenous, and other people of color. "Birth doulas provide culturally responsive, compassionate care that empowers families during one of the most important times of their lives,” said Dr. Judy Zerzan-Thul, HCA’s medical director. “By implementing this benefit, we’re taking a step toward advancing health equity and improving pregnancy care across the state.”

Apple Health covers more than 40 percent of annual births in Washington, including care during and after pregnancy. The Washington State Legislature approved a maximum reimbursement of $3,500 per doula per client, the highest reimbursement rate in the country.

To be reimbursed by Apple Health, doulas must complete DOH’s birth doula certification. Since launching in October 2023, the program has certified 106 birth doulas.

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About Washington State Health Care Authority

Functioning as both the state's largest health care purchaser and its behavioral health authority, the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) is a leader in ensuring Washington residents have the opportunity to be as healthy as possible.
 
There are three pillars of our work: Apple Health (Medicaid); the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) and School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB) programs; and behavioral health and recovery. Under these pillars, HCA purchases health care, including behavioral health treatment for more than 2.7 million Washington residents and provides behavioral health prevention, crisis, and recovery supports to all Washington residents.