Expanding Access to Doula Care: Medi-Cal Benefits and United and Guided’s Coed Doula Services
As of January 1, 2024, DHCS implemented new reimbursement rates for doula services, reinforcing the state’s commitment to equitable and fair compensation for maternal care providers. With the goal of making these services more widely accessible, Medi-Cal now offers coverage for doula support during pregnancy, birth, miscarriage, abortion, and postpartum recovery—helping to improve health outcomes for both birthing individuals and their babies.
Medi-Cal Doula Benefits for 2024
The updated fee-for-service rates reflect a substantial increase to 87.5% of the lowest statewide Medicare rate, ensuring that doulas receive adequate compensation for their essential services. The current reimbursement rates under Medi-Cal include:
Initial visit (90 minutes): $197.98
Prenatal visit: $162.11
Postpartum visit: $162.11
Extended postpartum support (three-hour visit): $486.36
Support during vaginal delivery: $685.07
Support during cesarean section: $795.73
Support during or after miscarriage: $250.85
Support during or after abortion: $250.85
These rates ensure that Medi-Cal beneficiaries can receive the full spectrum of doula care without financial barriers, fostering better birthing experiences and postpartum recovery.
United and Guided’s Coed Doula Services: Bridging the Gap
At United and Guided (UAG), we are committed to providing comprehensive, culturally competent doula care for individuals and families across Sacramento and surrounding areas. Our Coed Doula Services take an inclusive approach to perinatal care, ensuring that both birthing individuals and their partners receive the support they need throughout pregnancy and postpartum.
Many traditional doula models focus solely on the birthing person, but at UAG, we recognize that partners, fathers, and family members play a critical role in perinatal health. Through our Coed Doula Services, we provide:
Education and emotional support for fathers and partners to help them feel empowered during labor and delivery.
Mental health and wellness resources for parents adjusting to life with a newborn.
Advocacy and guidance to ensure that families receive equitable and high-quality maternal care.
Hands-on postpartum assistance to ease the transition into parenthood, including infant care education, breastfeeding support, and sleep guidance.
By integrating these services with Medi-Cal’s doula benefits, UAG ensures that families—especially those in underserved and marginalized communities—have access to holistic, family-centered care without financial obstacles.
A Step Toward Maternal Health Equity
The expansion of Medi-Cal doula services is a monumental step forward in addressing maternal health disparities in California. Studies show that having doula support can lead to:
✔ Lower rates of medical interventions (such as cesarean sections).
✔ Reduced instances of birth complications.
✔ Higher rates of successful breastfeeding.
✔ Improved postpartum mental health for both parents.
With 529 individual doulas enrolled as of early 2025, California continues to grow its doula workforce, ensuring that more families can receive culturally relevant, trauma-informed care.
Through partnerships with organizations like United and Guided, these services are not only expanding but also evolving to meet the unique needs of diverse communities. Whether supporting a first-time mother, a father eager to be involved, or a family recovering from a pregnancy loss, UAG’s Coed Doula Services ensure that every family receives personalized, compassionate, and professional support.
Connecting Families to Doula Care
If you or someone you know is pregnant, recently gave birth, or has experienced a miscarriage or abortion, Medi-Cal’s doula benefits can help. United and Guided is here to connect families to qualified, experienced doulas who can offer emotional, physical, and informational support throughout the perinatal period.
💡 Interested in doula services? Contact United and Guided’s Coed Doula Program to see how we can support you!
🌐 Visit our website for more information: www.unitedandguided.org
📍 For details on Medi-Cal doula benefits, visit: dhcs.ca.gov
By working together, we can ensure that every family—regardless of income, race, or background—has access to the compassionate care they need to thrive.