House Bill No. 702, introduced by Representative Willard, aims to provide Medicaid coverage for doula services in Louisiana. The bill enacts a new part of the Louisiana Revised Statutes, specifically R.S. 46:977.32 through 977.34, which outlines the legislative findings regarding the benefits of doula support, including lower cesarean rates and improved maternal health outcomes. It defines "doula" and "doula treatment or care," and mandates that any Medicaid coverage plan offering maternity services must include coverage for doula services before, during, and after childbirth, with a minimum service rate of $1,250 per pregnancy.

The bill specifies that Medicaid plans must provide a minimum of five prenatal visits and three postpartum visits, each lasting up to 90 minutes, as well as assistance during labor and birth, including Cesarean deliveries. Doulas must be registered with the Louisiana Doula Registry Board to receive reimbursement through Medicaid. Additionally, any discriminatory language against doulas in Medicaid contracts is deemed void. The provisions will apply to new Medicaid plans issued after August 1, 2024, and existing plans must comply by January 1, 2025. The Louisiana Department of Health is tasked with implementing the necessary rules and regulations to enforce these changes.