Update on Legislative action for Apple Health doula benefit

Washington State Health Care Authority sent this bulletin at 04/11/2024 08:00 AM PDT

April 11, 2024

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Update on Legislative action for Apple Health (Medicaid) doula benefit

The State Supplemental Operating budget was signed by Governor Inslee on March 29, 2024.

The budget includes language and funding for the Health Care Authority (HCA) to implement a doula benefit for Apple Health (Medicaid) clients. The budget also includes funding for the design and implementation of a statewide referral system and a doula hub.

What happens next?

HCA will work with federal, state, and community partners to develop and implement the doula benefit by early 2025. This work will include:

Development of policy and payment rates for doulas
Updates to state rules and the Medicaid state plan
Development of a communications strategy

Stay updated

Sign up for doula bulletins from HCA and share this link with other doulas, doula partners, and interested stakeholders to stay updated.

About the Health Care Authority (HCA)

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.

Please do not reply directly to this message. For more information, visit the HCA website, where you'll also find contact information.

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Nondiscrimination

The Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) complies with all applicable federal and Washington state civil rights laws and is committed to providing equal access to our services. Visit HCA’s website to view complete nondiscrimination statements.