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Doula Initiative

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Department of Health and Human Services

Doula Initiative

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Doulas are trained birth workers who provide non-clinical emotional, physical, and informational support to pregnant people and their families before, during, and after birth. A doula is a birth professional whose goal is to help families have a safe, healthy and positive birth experience.

Families hire doulas to help navigate childbirth, their support has been proven to be a safe and cost-effective intervention to improve birth outcomes. Doula services have been shown to positively impact the social determinants of health, support birth equity, and decrease existing health and racial disparities.

MDHHS Doula Initiative Updates

New Doula Trainings Added to MDHHS Approved List (Updated)
The Doula Advisory Council working collaboratively with MDHHS, has approved additional doula training programs. There are now 18 different trainings approved providing greater access to doula services statewide. The list of MDHHS-approved qualified doula training programs or organizations can be found at Become a Medicaid Enrolled Doula.

Michigan Medicaid Approved Doula Policy 
Effective January 1, 2023 Michigan Medicaid will begin reimbursing for doula services provided to individuals covered by or eligible for Medicaid Insurance. Doula providers seeking reimbursement for their professional services to Medicaid beneficiaries are required to be on the MDHHS Doula Registry and enrolled in CHAMPS as a Medicaid provider. Doulas must contact the Medicaid Health Plans prior to serving Medicaid Health Plan members. View the final policy: MMP 22-47.  

MDHHS Doula Registry Application & Medicaid provider enrollment information can be found at Become a Medicaid Enrolled Doula

Doula Services No Longer Need an Additional Recommendation by a Licensed Healthcare Provider
Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive, has issued a standing recommendation that doula services are medically necessary and should be offered to families covered by Medicaid insurance. By making the standing recommendation, Bagdasarian addressed a federal requirement by Medicaid that doula services are recommended by a licensed health care provider. Therefore, doulas and their clients do not need an additional recommendation for services.

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Learn more about applying to the MDHHS Doula Registry and enrolling as a Medicaid provider.
 

Become a Medicaid Enrolled Doula
Map of Michigan with Detroit Pinned

Find doulas serving your area, check if a doula is Medicaid-enrolled, or search the MDHHS Doula Registry.

MDHHS Doula Registry
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The Michigan Doula Advisory Council works to inform the advancement of doula services in Michigan.

Doula Advisory Council
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Resources for Michigan doulas, including new opportunities, webinars, training, and continuing education.

Resources for Doulas