The bill proposes the establishment of a pilot program under the Texas Human Resources Code to provide Medicaid coverage for doula services. It introduces a new section, 32.02481, which defines "doula" as a nonmedical birthing coach and outlines the types of services they provide, including emotional and physical support during pregnancy, labor, delivery, and the postpartum period. The Health and Human Services Commission is tasked with implementing this pilot program in the most populous county and the county with the highest maternal health support needs by September 1, 2026. The commission will also determine eligibility requirements and evaluate the program's effectiveness annually.

Additionally, the bill mandates that the commission prepare a comprehensive report by September 1, 2030, summarizing the pilot program's results, including its impact on maternal mortality rates and health disparities. The pilot program is set to expire on September 1, 2031. Notably, the bill allows for a delay in implementation if a federal waiver is required, and it specifies that the first report on the program's costs and outcomes must be published by September 1, 2027.

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