(a) As used in this section:
- (1) “Carrier” means any entity that provides health insurance under § 505(3) of this title.
(2) “Doula services” means services provided by a trained doula and designed to provide physical, emotional, and educational support to pregnant and birthing persons before, during, and after childbirth. “Doula services” include the following:
- a. Support and assistance during labor and childbirth.
- b. Prenatal and postpartum support and education.
- c. Breastfeeding assistance and lactation support.
- d. Parenting education.
- e. Support for a birthing person following loss of pregnancy.
(b) Beginning January 1, 2024, all carriers shall provide coverage of doula services that includes all of the following:
- (1) Three prenatal visits, of up to 90 minutes.
- (2) Three postpartum visits, of up to 90 minutes.
- (3) Attendance through labor and birth.
- (c) Coverage must be provided for additional postpartum doula visits with a recommendation by a practitioner or clinician licensed under Title 24 acting within their scope of practice.
- (d) The Division of Medicaid and Medical Assistance shall establish, in collaboration with stakeholders, a process for doulas to be certified and to enroll as participating providers, as well as a reimbursement rate for doula services that supports a livable annual income for full-time practicing doulas.
83 Del. Laws, c. 366, § 1; 84 Del. Laws, c. 159, § 1; 84 Del. Laws, c. 291, § 1