Ohio Access to Doula Services

Ohio access to doula services through Medicaid coverage.

1. Ohio House Bill 142 (HB142): This bill aims to allow Medicaid coverage for doula services. Doulas are professional labor assistants who provide physical and emotional support throughout pregnancy, labor, and postpartum. The bill received near-unanimous support in the Ohio House and is now moving to the Ohio Senate1.

2. Payment for Doulas: Starting in fall 2023, doulas in Ohio can be paid up to $1,200 per birth by Ohio Medicaid. This change has the potential to significantly increase access to birth support, especially since over half of all births in Ohio are covered by Medicaid2.

3. Health Benefits and Financial Impact: Doula care has been associated with reduced preterm birth rates and cesarean deliveries. By allowing Medicaid coverage for doulas, Ohio aims to improve maternal and infant health outcomes while also considering the financial benefits1.

4. Advocacy for Healthy Pregnancies: Regardless of the ongoing debate over abortion rights, providing services for healthy pregnancies is crucial. Doula support can contribute to safe and healthy deliveries, particularly for Black women who face disproportionately high infant mortality rates in Ohio1.

Keep in mind that the Ohio Department of Medicaid plans to fully implement doula services by the end of 2024, providing guidance and training for doulas to become Medicaid providers3.