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AB 1085

Relating to: reimbursement for doula services under the Medical Assistance program, doulas accompanying Medical Assistance recipients in hospitals and birthing centers, and granting rule-making authority. (FE)

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Margaret Arney and 11 co-sponsors

Wisconsin would reimburse professional doulas under Medical Assistance and allow them to accompany MA recipients in hospitals, with state rulemaking to implement these changes.

Failed to pass pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 1
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · AB 1085

Summary of Wisconsin Assembly Bill 1085 (2025 Session)

Overview

  • Subject: Reimbursement for doula services under the Medical Assistance program; doulas accompanying Medical Assistance recipients in hospitals and birthing centers; and granting rule-making authority.
  • Jurisdiction: Wisconsin
  • Bill Type: Public policy bill related to the Medical Assistance (MA) program and doula services.
  • Status (as of latest update): Introduced and referred to the Committee on Health, Aging and Long-Term Care; multiple sponsors and co-sponsors listed. Action history shows initial referral in February 2026 and subsequent cosponsorship activity in March 2026.

1) Purpose and Intent

  • To expand access to doula support for individuals enrolled in Wisconsin’s Medical Assistance program.
  • To authorize reimbursement for professional doula services under MA.
  • To allow doulas to accompany MA recipients in hospitals and birthing centers to provide support during labor and delivery.
  • To grant the state agency or relevant department(s) rule-making authority to implement, administer, and regulate these provisions.

2) Key Provisions and Changes

While the exact statutory language is not provided here, the bill’s title and description indicate the following core elements:

  • MA Reimbursement for Doula Services:
    Establish or modify reimbursement mechanisms so that qualified doulas can be paid through the MA program for services they provide to MA beneficiaries.

  • Doulas in Hospitals and Birthing Centers:
    Allow and/or require doulas to accompany MA recipients in hospital or birthing center settings during labor and delivery, ensuring the doula’s presence is supported within MA guidelines and facilities.

  • Rule-Making Authority:
    Grant authority to a Wisconsin state department or designated agency to create, implement, and enforce regulations related to:

    • Eligibility criteria for doulas seeking MA reimbursement
    • Reimbursement rates and billing procedures
    • Credentialing or standards for doula services
    • Clarification of scope of practice, confidentiality, and coordination with medical staff
    • Compliance, auditing, and oversight requirements

3) Who or What Would Be Affected

  • MA Beneficiaries/Recipients:
    Individuals enrolled in Wisconsin’s Medical Assistance program could access doula services and have a doula present during hospital or birthing center care.

  • Doulas and Doula Providers:
    Professional doulas or doula agencies may become eligible for MA reimbursement, subject to credentialing and billing requirements.

  • Hospitals and Birthing Centers:
    Facilities would need to accommodate doula attendance as part of MA-related care and align with related rule requirements (policies, privacy, and coordination with clinical staff).

  • Wisconsin Department/Agency:
    State agencies would implement rules governing reimbursement, eligibility, and practice standards.

4) Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduced: February 26, 2026, by a broad group of representatives.
  • Initial Action: Read first time and referred to the Committee on Health, Aging and Long-Term Care (02/26/2026).
  • Cosponsorship: Multiple senators and representatives added as sponsors and cosponsors in March 2026 (e.g., Rep. Subeck; Sen. Spreitzer; Rep. Mayadev, among others).
  • Potential Next Steps: Committee consideration, hearings, potential amendments, and votes in both chambers, followed by appropriations considerations if reimbursements involve MA funding.

5) Potential Impacts and Considerations

  • Access to Support: Could improve maternal health outcomes and patient experience by ensuring continuous support during labor for MA beneficiaries.
  • Costs and Budgetary Effects: Reimbursement for doula services would require MA budget adjustments, rate settings, and potential enrollment-related cost analyses.
  • Standards and Oversight: Rule-making authority will shape credentialing, scope of practice, and quality control for doula services under MA.
  • Equity and Outreach: The policy could increase access for underserved populations where doula support is currently underutilized.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to a specific audience (e.g., policymakers, healthcare providers, or the general public) or add a comparison with similar provisions in other states.

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

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