NC S732

Department of Health and Human Services must submit a State Plan amendment to add coverage for doula services under North Carolina Medicaid, including antepartum, intrapartum, and postpartum services beginning August 1, 2021.

Coverage must include labor and delivery support services plus at least four antenatal visits and seven postpartum visits for pregnant Medicaid recipients.

$500,000 in nonrecurring funds appropriated for the 2020-2021 fiscal year to modify the NCTracks Medicaid Management Information System and enroll doula providers.

Department must complete a comprehensive study by April 1, 2021 examining doula qualifications, billing codes, coverage policies, other states' implementations, rate schedules, cost impacts, and effects on infant mortality and maternal health.

Study findings and the proposed State Plan amendment with reimbursement methodology must be submitted to the Senate and House Appropriations Committees on Health and Human Services and the Fiscal Research Division by April 1, 2021.