The proposed bill, H. 3108, seeks to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws by adding Chapter 145 to Title 44, which establishes guidelines for the reimbursement of doula services through private insurance and Medicaid. It outlines the criteria for Medicaid coverage, including the requirement for doulas to obtain a National Provider Identification Number and complete specific training competencies. The bill also creates a certification organization for doulas, which will regulate statewide certification and maintain a registry of certified doulas. Additionally, it mandates that doula services be covered by the state medical assistance program and private insurers, with specific provisions for reimbursement and reporting requirements.

Furthermore, the bill adds Section 38-71-134 to Article 1, Chapter 71, Title 38, requiring all health insurance contracts issued or renewed in South Carolina after January 1, 2026, to provide coverage for perinatal doula services. Insurers cannot impose additional requirements for reimbursement beyond those applicable to other healthcare providers, and they must report utilization and cost information related to these services to the Department of Insurance. The bill excludes certain types of insurance coverage from these requirements, ensuring that doula services are recognized and compensated within the healthcare system.

Statutes affected:
12/05/2024: 38-71-134
Latest Version: 38-71-134
12/06/2024: 38-71-134