Sen. Tepler introduces bill requiring MaineCare to cover doula services

AUGUSTA – On Thursday, Sen. Denise Tepler, D-Topsham, introduced a bill to increase accessibility to doula services in Maine. LD 376, “An Act to Improve Maternal and Infant Health Outcomes Through Doula Care,” was the subject of a public hearing before the Legislature’s Committee on Health and Human Services.

“Doulas provide unique and comprehensive care to expecting families and this bill allows these services to be more widely available,” said Sen. Denise Tepler. “We all want new families to thrive in Maine. Adding doula care to MaineCare is a step toward better maternal and infant health outcomes in the State. As maternity care units distressingly disappear from central and northern Maine, we need to find more ways to support mothers and babies.”

“Maine is facing significant strain on its prenatal care with ongoing hospital closures and limited care options fuel burnout and financial instability for struggling workforce,” said Meg Whithead of the Maine Doula Coalition in testimony supporting LD 376. “Without MaineCare coverage, those most impacted by these health disparities are also the least likely to receive doula support. Expansion of MaineCare coverage is a critical step in addressing a much broader set of systematic challenges facing families in Maine.”

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the Society of Maternal-Fetal Medicine have reported that the continuous presence of a doula during pregnancy is one of the most effective tools to improve labor and delivery outcomes.

LD 376 would require reimbursement under the MaineCare program for doula services. Doulas are trained non-medical professionals that provide person-centered, culturally-competent care that supports the racial, ethnic, linguistic and cultural diversity of patients. Doula services are aimed at preventing perinatal complications and improving health outcomes for birthing individuals and infants, including guidance and support around pregnancy health, childbirth, breastfeeding and newborn care.

LD 376 faces a work session and further action in committee.