Bill > SF132

This bill aims to expand Medicaid coverage to include doula services, which are professional support services provided to pregnant individuals before, during, and after childbirth. The bill directs the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to take several actions across both fee-for-service and managed care Medicaid programs, including adopting new rules, modifying managed care organization contracts, and seeking necessary state plan amendments or waivers to implement doula care coverage. HHS is required to collaborate with stakeholders to establish a certification and provider enrollment process for doulas, and to set a reimbursement rate that supports a livable annual income for full-time doula practitioners. The bill defines a doula as a trained professional who provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to pregnant individuals with the goals of improving birth outcomes, preventing stillbirths and infant deaths, and reducing maternal morbidity and mortality. By mandating this coverage, the bill seeks to address maternal health disparities and provide additional professional support during pregnancy and childbirth.