FAQs

Does private insurance in Rhode Island currently cover doula services?

While some plans have begun to reimburse families directly for doula services, doulas are not in network to bill insurance. The mandate begins 7/1.

Doulas are able to have billing support through the Rhode Island Birth Worker Cooperative. This is an optional resource, it is not mandatory to join. Private practice doulas can also contract with and bill insurance directly.

Does Medicaid currently reimburse for doula services?

Medicaid in Rhode Island isn’t currently covering doula services for all members. Once the federal approval comes in, they will back date the coverage. There is no timeline for that and doulas cannot currently apply become Medicaid providers or bill Medicaid.

What kind of services are covered? (Number of home visits, birth support, etc.)

This will be up to each individual insurance company. Please contact them directly for this information.

*All pregnancies end. Not all pregnancies end in birth. This advocacy group has advocated to include “labor and delivery” or “birth support” for any gestational age or method of delivery (miscarried, abortion, loss, etc.) We will continue to educate Medicaid and private payers in order to ensure coverage does not exclude any pregnant person.

How can I find a doula in network with my insurance?

When the mandate begins 7/1, please contact your insurance company directly for a list of in network doulas. Many doulas will begin to list who they are in network with as well.

I am interested in becoming a doula, what can I do to accept insurance?

See this doula FAQ.

Are doulas supervised by hospitals, nurses, or care providers?

Any attempts at developing clinically supervised employment opportunities, research, or in hospital doula programs are operating outside of the heart of this legislation and the doulas who have been doing the work in this community all along. When considering a doula, please ask this question. If your clinic or healthcare provider says they will provide you with a doula, this isn’t the only way you can have doula support.

A core intention of our work is to center the community doula model, meaning doulas are chosen by families, and work for families only. This is vital to ensuring families rights and autonomy are respected, especially to Black doulas and doulas of color who are serving their communities without being employed or supervised by the same systems who cause harm. A doula cannot fully advocate for their client’s rights when they risk loosing their job by doing so.

Still have questions?

This FAQ is a living document. Please email info@ribirthworkercoop.com if there is information you would like to see here.

How Can I support doula work in Rhode Island?

1. Join our newsletter.
2. Spread the word about local grassroots organizations: Our Journ3i, Umoja Nia, SistaFIRE, Doulas of Rhode Island, RI Birth Worker Co-op.

3. Help raise red flags and avoid participating in doula programs led by hospitals, clinics, and universities. Please know that in order to create the opportunities for families and doulas we have now, doulas have collectively declined many, many offers to work outside or the community model.