PBMHC applauds Shapiro’s Medicaid expansion for doula services

Rep. Morgan B. Cephas    March 27, 2024 | 9:44 AM

HARRISBURG, March 27 – Following the state Department of Human Services’ announcement that Medicaid will expand doula services in Pennsylvania, co-chairs of the Pennsylvania Black Maternal Health Caucus, Reps. Morgan Cephas, D-Phila.; Gina H. Curry, D-Delaware; and La’Tasha D. Mayes, D-Allegheny, issued the following statement:

“Doulas address Black maternal mortality and morbidity by reducing complications and improving maternal health outcomes. With the Department of Human Services’ expanding doula services, the state will allow doulas to enroll as Medicaid providers, making these services more affordable for low-income Pennsylvanians. With Black women 3.5 times more likely to die during pregnancy-related complications, we must ensure that they have access to services that would aid them during their pregnancies. We thank Gov. Josh Shapiro, Secretary of Human Services Val Arkoosh, and the administration for advancing policies that address Black maternal health, and the PBMHC will work toward advancing PA’s MOMNIBUS – a legislative package introduced to boldly address maternal morbidity and mortality – to the governor’s desk.”

Under the Shapiro administration’s expansion, doulas certified by the Pennsylvania Certification Board may enroll as Medicaid providers, and Medicaid managed care organizations may bill directly for services offered through pregnancy and postpartum.

Of the eight bills included in the MOMNIBUS, Cephas introduced H.B. 1608 and H.B. 1618, which would require coverage of doula services under Medicaid and private health insurance. The MOMNIBUS would also address maternal health deserts, expand mental health services for pregnant and postpartum Pennsylvanians, require Medicaid and private health insurance to cover blood pressure monitors, and provide new parents with baby supplies.

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