NY A05709

Establishes a 14-member Doula Medicaid Reimbursement Work Group within the Department of Health, with the majority of members being practicing doulas or doula experts representative of the racial, ethnic, geographic, and socioeconomic diversity of birthing people served by Medicaid

Eight members appointed by the Governor (including the Health Commissioner as chair, five doula representatives, one maternal health representative, and one medical insurance industry representative), plus six members appointed by legislative leaders

Work group must study and evaluate Medicaid reimbursement for doula care, including evidence-based practices that improve maternal and infant mortality rates, successful Medicaid doula programs in other states, and criteria for adequate reimbursement rates

Study must address liability coverage and insurance needs, continuing education requirements, appropriate quantity of antepartum, intrapartum, and postpartum visits for reimbursement, and provisions for substitute doulas

Final report with findings and recommendations due to the Governor, Senate President, and Assembly Speaker by December 31, 2025, with appointments to be made within 90 days of the act taking effect