PART V. MEDICAID COVERAGE FOR DOULAS

§977.41. Legislative findings

            The legislature hereby affirms all of the following:

            (1) Leading professional societies, such as the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine, and federal agencies, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Health Resources and Services Administration, and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, have recognized the well-established benefits of doula services.

            (2) In January 2025, Louisiana was selected as one of the states to participate in the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Transforming Maternal Health Model. The model is designed to focus exclusively on improving maternal healthcare for people enrolled in Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program. The model supports participating state Medicaid agencies in the development of a whole-person approach to pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care that addresses the physical, mental health, and social needs experienced during pregnancy. The goal of the model is to reduce disparities in access and treatment. The model aims to improve outcomes and experiences for mothers and their newborns, while also reducing overall program expenditures. This model urges states to address gaps in maternal healthcare using doulas.

            (3) Research has demonstrated that support from a doula is associated with lower cesarean section rates, fewer obstetric interventions, fewer complications during and after childbirth, decreased use of pain medication, shorter labor hours, and higher scores on the Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity, and Respiration, or APGAR, test, which indicates how well the baby is doing outside the womb.

            (4) As a state, Louisiana consistently ranks in the top five states for maternal and infant mortality and morbidity in the United States, which is indicative of a maternity healthcare crisis. It is well established that the use of doulas in maternal healthcare makes a difference in improving outcomes and lowering healthcare costs for the mother and infant.

            Acts 2025, No. 228, §1.