LA HB454

Requires Louisiana Medicaid plans to cover doula services before, during, and after childbirth, including a minimum of five prenatal visits (up to 90 minutes each), three postpartum visits (up to 90 minutes each), and assistance during labor and delivery including cesarean births

Defines covered doula services to include labor and childbirth support, prenatal and postpartum education, breastfeeding and lactation assistance, parenting education, and support after pregnancy loss

Requires doulas seeking Medicaid reimbursement to have approved registration with the Louisiana Doula Registry Board, though doulas may practice without registration if they forego Medicaid payment

Directs the Louisiana Department of Health to submit necessary state plan amendments to CMS, promulgate rules, and determine service scope and reimbursement rates using market benchmarks

Applies to new Medicaid managed care plans issued on or after August 1, 2025, with existing plans required to comply by their renewal date or January 1, 2026, whichever comes first