Subcommittee approves expansion of Medicaid postpartum doula coverage to 6 visits and 12 months
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Summary
House Bill 1614, as amended, increases Medicaid-covered postpartum doula visits from 4 to 6 and extends coverage from 6 weeks to 12 months; the subcommittee reported the amended bill to Appropriations 7–0.
House Bill 1614, as amended in subcommittee, increases the number of postpartum doula visits covered by Medicaid from 4 to 6 and extends the eligible postpartum period from 6 weeks to 12 months.
The patron explained doulas provide nonclinical, continuous support that improves maternal outcomes, including breastfeeding support and detection of postpartum mood disorders. The patron cited a 2020 DMAS study describing doula services as cost-effective and said the expansion could help address maternal-health disparities in counties lacking essential maternity care.
Supporters included Emily Moore of Voices for Virginia’s Children, Dr. Nicole Wardlaw (certified nurse midwife), Nataki Hill of the Doula Association for Virginia, and Kendra Sentinel of Birth in Color. Testimony emphasized doulas’ role in identifying postpartum complications and supporting new parents between clinical visits.
Subcommittee members moved to adopt the two line amendments (increase visits to 6 and extend coverage to 12 months), which were approved, and then voted to report the bill, as amended, to Appropriations. The subcommittee vote was 7–0; the bill will be heard in full committee.