WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 3169

Creates provisions relating to insurance coverage of doula services

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jamie Ray Gragg

Missouri HB 3169 requires private and MO HealthNet plans to cover doula services from 2027, expands MO HealthNet coverage, and creates a state doula registration for reimbursement.

Referred: Emerging Issues(H)
#healthcare #medicaid/mohealthnet #socialservices #departmentof
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 3169

Overview

Missouri HB 3169, introduced in the 2026 session, would expand and formalize insurance coverage for doula services. The bill creates new definitions, expands MO HealthNet coverage, establishes a state doula registration for health insurance reimbursement, and requires health carriers and plans to cover doula services for policies issued or renewed in Missouri starting January 1, 2027. It also sets procedural rules around rulemaking and illustrates the bill’s alignment with and expansion of existing doula coverage.

Main purpose and intent

  • To broaden access to doula care by:
    • Expanding MO HealthNet (Medicaid) coverage to include more doula services and circumstances.
    • Establishing a formal framework for health insurance reimbursement of doula services through a state registration process.
    • Mandating that health benefit plans issued or renewed in Missouri after January 1, 2027 cover doula services.

Key provisions and changes

1) Definitions and scope (Section 208.1430)

  • Defines “doula,” “doula care,” and “doula services” as nonmedical, advocacy, and emotional/physical support provided before, during, and after childbirth, including during miscarriage or stillbirth.
  • Introduces terms:
    • “Eligible participant” (pregnant woman eligible for MO HealthNet benefits who requests doula services).
    • “Postpartum period” (one year after pregnancy ends).
    • “Postpartum support session” and “prenatal support session” (descriptions of intended content and purpose).
    • “Support session” (any prenatal or postpartum session).

2) MO HealthNet coverage expansion (Section 208.1430)

  • Requires MO HealthNet to cover doula care and services for eligible participants.
  • Expands coverage to include attendance at scheduled cesarean section deliveries.
  • Increases the number of covered support sessions from six to up to sixteen for participants who need more than six (up to ten additional sessions).

3) Doula registration and reimbursement (Section 376.1758)

  • Establishes a process for registering doulas to enable health insurance reimbursement.
  • The Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) will review and approve doula registrations and create application criteria.
  • DHSS will promulgate necessary rules, with a compliance framework tied to state rulemaking standards and timelines (including severability considerations tied to 536.010 and related statutes).

4) Health coverage requirement and exemptions (Section 376.1765)

  • Requires health carriers and health benefit plans delivered, issued for delivery, continued, or renewed in Missouri on or after January 1, 2027 to provide coverage of doula services.
  • Specifies exemptions: does not apply to certain supplemental policies (e.g., life care contracts, accident-only, specified disease, limited or fixed-benefit hospital policies, Medicare supplements, long-term care, short-term policies of six months or less, or other policies as determined by the Director of the Department of Commerce and Insurance).

Affected parties

  • Pregnant and postpartum individuals eligible for MO HealthNet who request doula services (expanded coverage and more sessions).
  • Doulas seeking reimbursement (subject to a state-registry process).
  • Health insurers and health benefit plans operating in Missouri (required coverage starting 2027, with specified exemptions).
  • Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) (administrative rulemaking and registration framework).
  • Missouri Department of Social Services (oversight of MO HealthNet coverage expansions).

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Effective changes for health benefit plans: policies delivered, issued for delivery, continued, or renewed on or after January 1, 2027.
  • DHSS to review, approve, and regulate doula registration for reimbursement; must establish criteria and rules under existing Missouri rulemaking processes.
  • The bill contains severability and nonseverable provisions tied to the rulemaking authority and effectiveness, ensuring alignment with state constitutional and regulatory provisions for any rules enacted after August 28, 2026.

Notes

  • The bill mirrors and expands on existing MO HealthNet doula coverage by adding cesarean attendance and increasing the allowed number of covered support sessions.
  • It creates a parallel framework for private health insurance reimbursement via a formal doula registration system.

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

Sign in to ask a question.