This bill amends the Code of West Virginia to require Medicaid to cover doula services as part of its maternity and infant care program. Specifically, it introduces a new provision that mandates the filing of a state plan amendment to include doula services, defining a doula as a trained professional who provides continuous support during the antepartum, intrapartum, and postpartum periods. The amendment stipulates that the services can be provided from confirmed conception through 180 days after delivery, with coverage for two prenatal visits and two postpartum visits, each reimbursed at a rate of $125, which will be adjusted annually based on the consumer price index. The Bureau for Medical Services is required to file this amendment by October 1, 2027.

Additionally, the bill maintains existing provisions regarding Medicaid coverage for pregnant women and their newborns, ensuring that eligibility is not contingent on family income changes during the one-year period following pregnancy. It also emphasizes the department's responsibility for implementing a maternal and infant health care system aimed at reducing infant mortality and improving care quality. Overall, the bill seeks to enhance support for pregnant women and new mothers by integrating doula services into Medicaid coverage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 9-5-12