Doula Services

Doula services are available during:

• Pregnancy.
• Birth (including still birth).
• Abortion.
• Miscarriage (pregnancy loss).

Doula services are covered for HPSM Medi-Cal, CareAdvantage and HealthWorx (HMO) members at no cost.

For doula services to be covered, the doula must be in HPSM's Provider Directory. Check the Provider Directory for the list of doulas you can choose from.

Covered doula services

Doula services are covered during pregnancy and up to one year after the end of a pregnancy.

Doulas can perform different roles:

• Prenatal (before birth) doulas can help you make a birth plan and give emotional support, like listening and encouragement. They can also support pregnant people on bed rest to prevent early birth and help with household tasks and childcare.

• Birth doulas help reduce stress and anxiety among birthing people. They give continuous care during labor and delivery.
• Health Navigators help find healthcare services and other local resources.
  
• Postpartum (after birth) doulas support the birthing parent and create opportunities for rest and healing. They also support families' transition into their new roles by helping take care of and feed the baby, as well as some household tasks. 
• Pregnancy loss doulas support families that have experienced pregnancy loss due to termination, stillbirth, or miscarriage.
• Abortion doulas support pregnant people choosing to end a pregnancy.

Doula services are covered for the following visits:

• The first visit.
• A combination of eight total prenatal and postpartum visits.
• Support during labor and delivery (including labor resulting in stillbirth or miscarriage).
• Up to two extended postpartum visits (maximum three hours each) after the end of a pregnancy.
• Support during and after abortion services.

If more care is needed after birth, up to nine more postpartum visits by a doula may be covered with a recommendation from an Obstetric (OB) provider or Primary Care Provider (PCP).

Doula services NOT covered

How to get Doula services

1. Look in the Provider Directory for Doulas in HPSM’s provider Network
2. Make your first doula appointment.

For other questions, call one of HPSM’s Customer Support teams:

Frequently asked questions