MA S789

Requires all health insurance policies in Massachusetts to cover doula services with no deductibles, copays, or cost-sharing, effective September 1, 2026

Mandates coverage of minimum 20 hours of prenatal and postpartum doula services per pregnancy plus continuous labor and delivery support, without prior authorization

Defines doula services broadly to include physical, emotional, and informational support from conception through 12 months after pregnancy, childbirth, adoption, miscarriage, stillbirth, or abortion

Creates a 10-12 member Doula Advisory Committee appointed by the Governor, with practicing doulas and MassHealth members, to consult on coverage standards, billing, grievance procedures, and reimbursement rates

Establishes patient rights to have a doula present during labor and delivery, prohibiting facilities from counting doulas as guests or arbitrarily excluding them from clinical settings