H.B. No. 1201 establishes a pilot program in Texas to provide Medicaid coverage for doula services, which are defined as nonmedical childbirth education, coaching, and support during pregnancy, labor, delivery, and the postpartum period. The bill adds Section 32.02481 to the Human Resources Code, outlining the qualifications for doulas and the services eligible for reimbursement. The program will be implemented in the most populous county and the county with the highest maternal health support needs by September 1, 2026. The Health and Human Services Commission is tasked with determining eligibility requirements and evaluating the program's costs and impact on birth outcomes annually.

Additionally, the commission must submit a comprehensive report to the legislature by September 1, 2030, summarizing the pilot program's effectiveness in reducing maternal mortality rates and health disparities, along with feedback from participants. The pilot program is set to terminate on September 1, 2031. Notably, the first report is required to be published by September 1, 2027, despite the annual reporting schedule. The bill also allows for the delay of implementation if federal waivers or authorizations are needed.

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