Arizona Medicaid to Reimburse for Doula Services, Boosting Maternal and Infant Health Support

(PHOENIX – Oct. 7, 2024) – The Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) will begin reimbursing for Medicaid members who use doula services starting this month, marking a crucial step toward improving maternal and infant health in Arizona.

Studies have shown that additional pregnancy support, including doulas, leads to healthier pregnancies that are less likely to require C-sections or result in premature births needing neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) stays. It also decreases rates of anxiety and depression for the birthing parent.

“Negative outcomes are reduced with doula services, both for the childbearing parent and baby,” said Rachael Salley, AHCCCS manager of maternal and child health. “This program will have a significant impact on maternal health.”

More than half of Arizona’s births are covered by AHCCCS, the state’s Medicaid agency. Doula reimbursement is available to any doula certified through the Arizona Department of Health Services’ voluntary doula certification program and registered with AHCCCS as a provider.

“This type of support for the birthing parent and their child is vital to ensuring healthy pregnancies and healthy births, particularly for our populations with health disparities,” said Carmen Heredia, AHCCCS director.

Under A.R.S. § 36-766, a doula is defined as “a trained nonmedical professional who may provide continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to families before, during, and after childbirth for a period of one year after birth or in the case of loss and who may serve as a liaison between the birth parents and medical and social services staff to improve the quality of medical, social, and behavioral outcomes.”

A diverse range of populations can benefit from doula support, including:

• Those facing the greatest health disparities: Doulas can provide guidance and serve on behalf of individuals mostly likely to face health disparities, ensuring they receive the care and support they need and deserve.
• First-Time Mothers: First-time mothers often seek the guidance and reassurance that doulas provide throughout pregnancy, labor and postpartum periods.
• High-Risk Pregnancies: Individuals with high-risk pregnancies may use doulas to receive additional emotional and informational support, helping them navigate complex medical situations.
• LGBTQ+ Families: Doulas can offer inclusive and affirming support to LGBTQ+ families, ensuring their unique needs and preferences are respected during the birthing process.
• Rural Communities: In areas with limited access to healthcare facilities, doulas can provide crucial support and advocacy, helping to ensure that birthing parents receive the care they need.
• Native American Communities: Indigenous doulas provide culturally competent care that respects traditional practices and addresses specific health disparities faced by Native populations.

AHCCCS is hosting an online community forum Oct. 21 at 10 a.m on Improving Maternal and Infant Health Outcomes through Doula Care. The forum is open to AHCCCS members, family members, advocates, community members, AHCCCS providers and stakeholders.

Maternal deaths are increasing in the U.S., and Arizona has one of the nation’s highest pregnancy-associated death rates, rising faster than the national average. AHCCCS has implemented several initiatives to improve maternal health for Arizona residents, including a focus on postpartum care, increased testing, and new quality and community initiatives to address health disparities, such as expanding care in rural areas with limited OB/GYN services.

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About AHCCCS:

Founded in 1982, the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) is Arizona’s Medicaid agency that offers health care programs to serve Arizona residents. Built on a system of competition and choice, AHCCCS operates under an integrated managed care model, through a Research and Demonstration 1115 Waiver. Contracted health plans coordinate and pay for physical and behavioral health care services delivered by more than 93,000 health care providers to more than 2 million Arizonans.