By Trish Svoboda

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) announced that KanCare, the state’s Medicaid program, will expand its coverage to include doula services. This new benefit offers Medicaid recipients in Kansas comprehensive doula support throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and the postnatal phase, significantly improving the maternity care experience.

Starting July 1, 2024, the KanCare program will officially recognize doulas as non-physician providers. This shift in policy is designed to enhance maternal health by providing expectant mothers with ongoing, individualized support via a variety of doula services.

These services include:

· Community-based doulas,

· Prenatal doulas,

· Labor and birth doulas, and

· Postpartum doulas.

“This initiative underscores KDHE’s commitment to enhancing maternal and infant health by providing comprehensive, supportive care,” KDHE Secretary Janet Stanek said. “Doulas play a vital role in the health and well-being of mothers and their babies, and this new coverage will ensure more families in Kansas can benefit from their services.” To find more information about KanCare, visit kancare.ks.gov.