DENVER (KKTV) – On Monday, the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) added doula service coverage for Health First Colorado Medicaid members.
The benefit hopes to improve outcomes in maternal health and outcomes for pregnant and parenting people.
Doulas are trained non-clinical professionals who provide informational, physical, and emotional support before, during, and after childbirth. The education and help they provide can benefit pregnant or new mothers throughout the experience.
According to HCPF, the benefit would enhance access to care for Health First Colorado members, aim to improve birth-related outcomes and help close health disparities.
“There is a wealth of research that shows doula support can help reduce epidural use, labor duration, low-birthweight and premature deliveries, and postpartum depression rates. There’s also evidence doula support leads to reduced c-section rates, which is higher in the Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) population and contributes to morbidity and mortality,” said Adela Flores-Brennan, HCPF’s Medicaid director.
The doulas covered in the benefit include independent practicing doulas and those working in healthcare facilities or other group practices.
HCP also announced that they began enrolling doulas to support the new benefit. Those hired would be paid for their services as a Health First Colorado provider. They are looking for doulas who can get formal training or have prior demonstrated experience as a doula.
Those interested in applying to be a HCP doula can click here for more information.
“Adding this benefit extends our commitment to providing Health First Colorado members with equitable, accessible, and supportive services for an empowering birthing experience,” said Flores-Brennan.
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