Bill > S0484

This bill requires health insurance companies in Rhode Island to provide coverage for perinatal doula services starting on July 1, 2022. Perinatal doulas are trained professionals who provide continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to pregnant individuals from the antepartum (prenatal) period through the postpartum period (up to 12 months after birth). The bill specifies that insurers must cover these services in accordance with their own reimbursement, credentialing, and contracting policies, as long as the services are within the doula's area of professional competence as defined by the Rhode Island certification board. Insurers cannot require supervision, signature, or referral by another healthcare provider as a condition of reimbursement, unless those requirements also apply to other healthcare providers. The bill also requires insurers to report utilization and cost information related to perinatal doula services to the Office of the Health Insurance Commissioner annually.

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