Bill > S463

This bill requires the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to seek federal approval to add doula services to Medicaid coverage. The Division of Health Benefits (DHB) must develop comprehensive guidelines for these services, including determining provider credentials based on specific areas of expertise such as newborn care, childbirth education, client advocacy, medical intervention understanding, labor support, lactation assistance, community resource referrals, and cultural competence. The bill appropriates $1 million in state funds and $1.826 million in federal funds annually for the 2025-2027 fiscal biennium to implement the Medicaid coverage, and an additional $550,000 annually to provide support services and technical assistance to doulas. The DHHS must report to the legislative oversight committee by March 1, 2026, detailing the coverage, reimbursement rates, and estimated state costs. A doula is a trained professional who provides physical, emotional, and informational support to mothers before, during, and after childbirth, with the goal of improving maternal and infant health outcomes. The provisions will take effect when approved by federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), with the funding aspects becoming active on July 1, 2025.

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/S463