Senate Bill 393 Summary

• Directs the Department of Health and Human Services to conduct a statewide analysis of doula support services by November 1, 2023, assessing availability, provider diversity, training standards, and coverage options for insurance plans.

• Requires the Division of Public Health to partner with doula training organizations to set certification standards, develop coverage strategies for commercial insurers, establish billing standards, and create a statewide doula provider directory.

• Mandates submission of a Medicaid State Plan amendment to add coverage for antepartum, intrapartum, and postpartum doula services, including at least four antenatal visits and seven postpartum visits, effective July 1, 2022.

• Appropriates $500,000 in nonrecurring funds for fiscal year 2021-2022 to update the NCTracks Medicaid Management Information System and enroll new doula providers.

• Requires the Division of Health Benefits to submit a report by March 1, 2022 studying provider qualifications, coverage policies, billing codes, implementation costs, reimbursement rates, and potential impacts on maternal health and infant mortality.