Birth doula benefit launches January 1

Washington State Health Care Authority sent this bulletin at 12/20/2024 08:00 AM PST

December 20, 2024

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Apple Health (Medicaid) birth doula benefit launches January 1

The Health Care Authority (HCA) is launching a new birth doula benefit January 1, 2025.

Birth doula billing guide information

The doula services billing guide will be published at the end of December. The billing guide will include:

Information about birth doula services
Covered services
Noncovered services
Documentation requirements
Payment
Resources

HCA will send another bulletin when the birth doula billing guide is published.

Sign up for doula bulletins to receive updates

What is required for a birth doula to be reimbursed by HCA?

To be reimbursed for birth doula services, doulas must:

Have a current voluntary Department of Health (DOH) birth doula credential.
Have a National Provider Identification.
Enroll with HCA as a billing provider.
Follow policy and guidance in the birth doula services billing guide. This billing guide will be published under "B" at the end of December.

What is the status of birth doula rulemaking?

HCA is working with partners to finalize birth doula rules. This process will not be complete by January 1, 2025. HCA plans to use the emergency rulemaking process outlined in the Administrative Procedure Act (Chapter 34.05 RCW).

Emergency rules are effective immediately upon filing with the Washington State Office of the Code Reviser and for 120 days from the filing date. The emergency rules will allow the doula benefit to go live on January 1, 2025 while HCA continues working with partners to complete the standard rulemaking process.

Sign up for rulemaking notices

Stay informed

Visit the HCA doulas webpage.
Email the doula program at HCA with questions.
Sign up for doula bulletins.

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.