NC H421

Department of Health and Human Services shall conduct a statewide analysis of doula services availability, provider diversity, training standards, and health benefit plan coverage options, with a report due November 1, 2026 to the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Health and Human Services.

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

Division of Health Benefits shall submit a State Plan amendment to establish Medicaid coverage for antepartum, intrapartum, and postpartum doula services beginning July 1, 2024, including at least four antenatal visits and seven postpartum visits.

Five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000) in nonrecurring General Fund appropriations authorized for fiscal year 2023-2024 to modify the NCTracks Medicaid system and enroll doula providers.

Division of Health Benefits shall study provider qualifications, coverage policies, billing codes, implementations in other states, reimbursement rates, and anticipated costs and savings, with findings due March 1, 2024 to legislative committees.