This bill amends the Code of West Virginia to enhance maternity care by mandating coverage for doula services under the Public Employees Insurance Agency (PEIA). It defines a "doula" as a trained, non-medical professional who provides continuous support during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. The bill stipulates that doula services will be covered from the date of confirmed conception through 365 days after delivery, contingent on the client maintaining eligibility. Additionally, it requires the PEIA to increase Medicaid reimbursement rates for birth and delivery services from $600 to $1,000, establish minimum visit requirements for prenatal and postpartum care, and set a specific rate of $125 for additional visits beyond the required two prenatal and two postpartum visits.

Moreover, the bill mandates the Department of Human Services to file a state plan amendment to ensure doula services are covered, detailing the coverage timeframe and billing protocols. The Commissioner of Health is also permitted to issue a statewide recommendation regarding the benefits of doula services. Furthermore, the bill requires PEIA to submit an annual report to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance starting June 1, 2021, detailing compliance with parity for behavioral health, mental health, and substance use disorder services, including data on adverse determinations and analyses of treatment limitations. Overall, the bill aims to improve maternal health outcomes by integrating doula support into the healthcare system and ensuring adequate coverage for these services.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 5-16-7, 9-1-2, 9-5-12