CO SB288

Establishes a stakeholder process to be initiated by September 1, 2023, to develop recommendations for expanding doula services coverage for Medicaid recipients, including certification standards, billing processes, and workforce recruitment strategies.

Creates a doula scholarship program by July 1, 2024, providing grants to individuals without sufficient financial resources to complete doula training and certification, with eligibility based on financial hardship, state residency, and intent to serve pregnant and postpartum recipients.

Requires the state department to seek federal authorization by July 1, 2024, to provide doula services for pregnant and postpartum Medicaid recipients to improve health outcomes, particularly for populations facing disproportionate risk of poor birth outcomes.

Directs the Division of Insurance to contract for an actuarial review of potential health-care costs and benefits of including doula service coverage in health benefit plans, with results reported to the General Assembly in fiscal year 2024-25.

Appropriates $200,000 for fiscal year 2023-24: $100,000 to the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing for the doula scholarship program and $100,000 to the Division of Insurance for personal services.