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H 1312

An Act relative to Insurance Coverage for Doula Services

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by James Arena-DeRosa and 12 co-sponsors

Summary of Bill H 1312: An Act Relative to Insurance Coverage for Doula Services OverviewThis bill, H 1312, aims to require health insurance plans in the state to provide coverage

Hearing rescheduled to 04/29/2025 from 10:00 AM-01:00 PM in A-2 and Virtual Hearing updated to New End Time
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Bill Summary · H 1312

Summary of Bill H 1312: An Act Relative to Insurance Coverage for Doula Services

Overview

This bill, H 1312, aims to require health insurance plans in the state to provide coverage for doula services. Doulas are non-medical professionals who provide physical, emotional, and informational support to individuals before, during, and after childbirth.

Key Provisions

  • Mandates that all individual and group health insurance plans cover doula services as part of their maternity care benefits.
  • Specifies that coverage must include a minimum of 3 prenatal visits, continuous support during labor and delivery, and 1-2 postpartum visits.
  • Establishes a process for doulas to become certified and registered with the state in order to qualify for insurance reimbursement.
  • Prohibits insurance plans from requiring higher cost-sharing (deductibles, copays, etc.) for doula services compared to other maternity care.
  • Directs the state's insurance commissioner to promulgate regulations to implement the new doula coverage requirements.

Affected Parties and Impact

  • Pregnant individuals enrolled in private health insurance plans would gain access to doula support services at no additional cost.
  • Doulas providing services in the state would be able to get reimbursed by insurance, potentially expanding access and affordability of their services.
  • Health insurance providers would be required to adjust their plan designs and benefit structures to comply with the new doula coverage mandate.
  • The state insurance department would take on new regulatory responsibilities to oversee the doula certification process and ensure insurer compliance.

Timeline and Procedural Aspects

  • The bill was introduced in the state legislature on February 27, 2025.
  • A public hearing on the legislation is scheduled for April 29, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, with both in-person and virtual attendance options.
  • If passed, the new doula coverage requirements would take effect for health plans starting January 1, 2026.
  • The insurance commissioner would have 6 months from the bill's effective date to establish the doula certification program and issue relevant regulations.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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