HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

151st GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HOUSE BILL NO. 343

AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 31 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO MEDICAID COVERAGE FOR DOULA SERVICES.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE:

Section 1. Amend Chapter 5, Title 31 of the Delaware Code by making deletions as shown by strike through and insertions as shown by underline as follows:

§ 530. Coverage for doula services.

(a) As used in this section, “doula services” means services provided by a trained doula and designed to provide physical, emotional, and educational support to pregnant and birthing persons before, during, and after childbirth. Doula services include the following:

(1) Support and assistance during labor and childbirth.

(2) Prenatal and postpartum support and education.

(3) Breastfeeding assistance and lactation support.

(4) Parenting education.

(5) Support for a birthing person who has been separated from the person’s child.

(b) By November 1, 2022, the Division of Medicaid and Medical assistance shall present the General Assembly with a plan for coverage of doula services, including a draft State plan amendment or waiver, as appropriate.

SYNOPSIS

This Act requires that the Division of Medicaid and Medical Assistance to present a plan to the General Assembly by November 1, 2022 for coverage of doula services by Medicaid providers.