Massachusetts’ state-funded health care system, MassHealth, announced Friday they will offer doula services for pregnant, birthing and postpartum people next spring. But many advocates remain concerned about potential barriers for doulas, including low reimbursement rates and MassHealth not offering reimbursement for travel.
Doulas are individuals who are trained to support a birthing person before, during and after pregnancy. They provide emotional, physical and educational support.
Kate Symmonds, staff attorney at the Massachusetts Law Reform Institute, said while the rate of pay that MassHealth is offering may be what some doulas are currently charging in the Commonwealth for their care, it’s not enough to ensure the long term stability and success of MassHealth’s program.
