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HD 2576

An Act relative to Insurance Coverage for Doula Services

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by James Arena-DeRosa and 3 co-sponsors

HD 2576 - An Act relative to Insurance Coverage for Doula Services OverviewBill Number: HD 2576 Title: An Act relative to Insurance Coverage for Doula ServicesStatus: Proposed bil

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Bill Summary · HD 2576

HD 2576 - An Act relative to Insurance Coverage for Doula Services

Overview

Bill Number: HD 2576
Title: An Act relative to Insurance Coverage for Doula Services
Status: Proposed bill
Introduced: November 29, 2025

Purpose and Intent

The primary goal of this bill is to require health insurance providers in the state to cover doula services as part of their standard maternity care coverage. Doulas are trained professionals who provide physical, emotional, and informational support to women before, during, and after childbirth. The bill's sponsors argue that expanding access to doula care can improve maternal and infant health outcomes, particularly for underserved populations.

Key Provisions

  • Mandates that all health insurance plans operating in the state, including Medicaid, cover up to 4 doula visits per pregnancy at a minimum reimbursement rate of $75 per visit.
  • Establishes a state-run doula certification program to set training and practice standards for doulas seeking insurance reimbursement.
  • Requires insurance providers to maintain an up-to-date network of certified doulas and make this information easily accessible to enrollees.
  • Prohibits insurance companies from requiring prior authorization or imposing additional cost-sharing for doula services beyond standard maternity care copays.

Affected Parties and Impacts

  • Pregnant individuals and new parents would gain greater access to doula support, which research shows can lead to reduced cesarean rates, shorter labor duration, and higher breastfeeding initiation.
  • Doulas and doula training programs would see increased demand and opportunities for their services.
  • Health insurance providers would face new coverage requirements and associated costs, which could impact premiums over time.
  • The state would need to invest in developing and administering the new doula certification program.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

HD 2576 was introduced in the state legislature on November 29, 2025 and has been referred to the Joint Committee on Health Care Financing for initial review. If approved by the committee, the bill would then proceed to a full floor vote in both the House and Senate. Given the bill's potential fiscal impact, it may also need to be reviewed by the chamber's budget committees. Assuming the legislation passes both chambers, it would then go to the Governor for final signature into law. The new doula coverage requirements would likely take effect 6-12 months after enactment to allow time for insurance providers to update their plans.

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

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