New coverage for doula services
A doula can play an important role in your pregnancy
Trained and certified doulas provide emotional, physical, and educational support before, during, and after childbirth to help ensure your experience is as healthy and positive as possible. A doula works directly for you. They are not part of your medical team and don’t provide medical care. Instead, doulas can:
- Answer questions about birthing options so you can make informed and empowered decisions
- Teach you how to communicate effectively with your healthcare providers
- Offer suggestions and physical support to ease discomfort during labor
- Provide continuous reassurance and encouragement during labor and delivery
- Ensure your birthing partner knows how to support you—and feels supported as well
- Explain medical procedures so you know what is happening and why
- Help you adjust to your new role (or newly expanded role) as a parent
Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island (BCBSRI) members in fully insured health plans can be reimbursed for doula services up to $1,500. Services may include:
- Labor and delivery
- Prenatal and postnatal visits (up to the first 12 months postpartum) – up to 6 visits total
All fully insured plans, whether provided through your employer, purchased directly from BCBSRI, or purchased through HealthSource RI, include this coverage. Some self-funded health plans may also include coverage for doula services. If you get your health insurance through work and aren’t sure what type of plan you have, speak with your employer or call BCBSRI customer service at the number listed on the back of your member ID card.
Find a doula
These websites* feature Rhode Island-based doulas:
You can also call (401) 459-2273 and ask to speak with a member of the BCBSRI maternity care management team. They can help with questions about doulas or other pregnancy-related needs.
Get reimbursed
Use this doula reimbursement form. It includes instructions for filling out the form, what documents to include, and where to send it.
Is a doula right for you?
Here are some answers to common questions.
What are the potential advantages of using a doula?
Doulas can provide emotional, physical, and educational support to someone who is expecting or has recently given birth.
- Prior to birth, doulas can help you develop a birth plan and teach you breathing and relaxation techniques.
- During labor, doulas can offer physical support through massage and breathing and relaxation techniques, as well as be a source of continuous comfort and encouragement.
- Doulas can help communicate with the medical staff during labor if you are unable to or uncomfortable doing so.
- Some doulas are able to help with your transition to home by providing encouragement and support to all family members, assisting with breastfeeding education, and showing family members how to assist the mother.
Which BCBSRI health plans include doula coverage?
Most plans include doula coverage; however, some self-funded plans do not include this coverage. Speak with your employer or call the customer service number listed on the back of your BCBSRI ID card if you are unsure about your plan.
Which specific doula services are covered?
BCBSRI members in fully insured health plans can be reimbursed for doula services up to $1,500. Services may include:
- Labor and delivery
- Prenatal and postnatal visits (up to the first 12 months postpartum) – up to 6 visits total
All fully insured plans, whether provided through your employer, purchased directly from BCBSRI, or purchased through HealthSource RI, include this coverage. Some self-funded health plans may also include coverage for doula services. If you get your health insurance through work and aren’t sure what type of plan you have, speak with your employer or call BCBSRI customer service at the number listed on the back of your member ID card.
Can my doula bill BCBSRI directly?
Only credentialed, in-network, doulas can bill BCBSRI directly.
My doula is not part of the BCBSRI network but would like to be. How can my doula join the network?
Share this link with your doula, or they can send an email to our Provider Relations team at ProviderRelations@bcbsri.org.
*The links provided are to external entities not affiliated with BCBSRI, and are intended for informational purposes only. Providing these links is not an endorsement or referral of a particular provider or organization. BCBSRI cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information in the links provided and shall not be liable for any losses, damages, or uncovered charges as a result of using the information provided in the links. Coverage is subject to BCBSRI policy and member benefit plan terms and conditions.
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