WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

LB 701

Provide for reimbursement of doula services by the Department of Health and Human Services

109th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Terrell McKinney and 1 co-sponsor

Nebraska LB701 lets Medicaid reimburse doula services, sets a 2026 work-group plan and starts reimbursement by 2027 to boost birth outcomes and reduce costly interventions.

Placed on General File with AM3067
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · LB 701

Summary: Legislative Bill LB701 – Provide for Reimbursement of Doula Services by the Department of Health and Human Services

Quick overview

  • Bill number & title: LB701, Provide for reimbursement of doula services by the Department of Health and Human Services
  • Introduced: January 22, 2025 (Primary: Senator McKinney; Cosponsor: Senator Ashlei Spivey)
  • Committee: Health and Human Services
  • Hearing: Noticed for February 28, 2025
  • Status: Notice of hearing issued; bill undergoing committee review

Purpose and intent

LB701 seeks to enable the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to reimburse doula services for individuals enrolled in the Medical Assistance program (Medicaid). The bill asserts that doula support can reduce birthing costs and improve outcomes, including lower cesarean rates and fewer obstetric interventions, with benefits such as shorter labor, less pain medication, and better infant outcomes.

Key provisions

  • Medicaid reimbursement authorization

    • The department shall reimburse a provider for doula services.
    • Reimbursement would be paid using state funds at rates determined by DHHS.
    • A state plan amendment may be submitted by DHHS to include reimbursement for doula services in Medicaid.

  • Implementation work group

    • DHHS must establish a work group of stakeholders and experts to develop an implementation plan, including reimbursement rates and training/certification requirements.
    • The work group must submit its implementation plan to DHHS no later than October 1, 2026.
    • Composition targets for the work group:
    • 30% representation from the doula profession
    • 30% representation from groups disproportionately affected by poor birth outcomes
    • 10% representation from rural Nebraska
    • 10% representation of individuals who have used doula services
    • Additional members should include medical providers, public health professionals, tribal organization representatives, and community advocates.

  • Definitions and scope

    • Doula: A trained professional who provides emotional, physical, and informational support before, during, and after labor and birth, including postpartum resources.
    • A doula is not permitted to perform clinical or medical tasks, diagnose, or treat patients.
    • The bill clarifies that a doula is not limited to prenatal visits or the postpartum period; the definition encompasses broader labor support.

  • Timing and repeal

    • The bill repeals and replaces the existing statutory structure related to its scope (amending section 68-901 and related cross-referenced sections).

  • Legislative framework

    • The bill creates a framework within the Medical Assistance Act for reimbursing doula services, subject to future state plan amendments and implementation plans.

Affected parties

  • Medicaid beneficiaries in Nebraska who opt for doula services.
  • Doulas and doula agencies seeking reimbursement under Medicaid.
  • DHHS (administrative agency) responsible for program design, rate setting, and plan amendments.
  • Stakeholders and communities impacted by maternal and infant health disparities (as represented on the work group).

Procedural and timeline notes

  • Hearing timeline: Notice of hearing issued for February 28, 2025.
  • Implementation milestones:
    • By October 1, 2026: Work group to submit the implementation plan.
    • By January 1, 2027: Department to begin reimbursing doula services (subject to plan amendments and funding).
  • Fiscal notes: Fiscal notes exist for LB701 (February 27–28, 2025 submissions), indicating anticipated fiscal implications; specific amounts are not detailed here.

Potential impact

  • Expands access to doula services for Medicaid-eligible Nebraskans.
  • Establishes a structured process to determine reimbursement rates, training standards, and eligibility criteria.
  • Aims to improve maternal and infant health outcomes while potentially reducing acute care costs associated with childbirth.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to a specific audience (e.g., policymakers, advocates, or healthcare providers) or add a section comparing LB701 to similar bills in other states.

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

Sign in to ask a question.