We hope that with a greater demand for insurance companies to cover doula care, we will start seeing more and more people receiving reimbursement for their doula expenses! Until that time, there are a few other ways to pay for your doula care.

• add doula care to your baby registry

• Doula Accessibility Fund inquire here to learn more

• Out of Pocket

• Insurance HSA

How to request reimbursement from Insurance

This great overview of how to request reimbursement from your insurance company comes from Demetria Clark with Birth Arts International. Permission has been given by the author for us to repost a section of her article here.

In addition to the suggestions made here, we do know that some insurance companies are more likely to reimburse you if your midwife or OB has written a prescription for doula care. Also, flex spending accounts may be an easier way to help cover the costs of your doula. While this is not the same as the insurance company reimbursing you, it does help by having your doula care covered with pre-tax money.

And even if your claim is denied, submitting claims helps send insurance companies the message that this is a valuable service that should be covered!

Get Your Insurance to Cover Your Doula

How to Request Insurance Reimbursement for Doula Services (for Parents)

_____ Pay your doula in full. Maintain a receipt.

_____ Make sure your invoice or receipt includes:

a. The doulas name, address, phone number and business name.

b. Social security number or taxpayer ID number

c. Locations, time and dates services were provided.

d. The CPT code for the services provided:

• CEBAT – Prenatal doula services each 60 minutes

• CECBQ – Intrapartum doula services each 60 minutes

• CEDAK – Postpartum doula services each 60 minutes

• CEDAI – Lactation counseling individual each 15 minutes

• CEDAN – Breast-feeding education group each 60 minutes

• CJBBE – Childbirth preparation group each 60 minutes

e. A diagnosis code

f. The doula’s signature

_____ Within 2 weeks of birth submit the invoice with a claim form to your insurance company.

_____ Within 4 weeks, expect a letter explaining if the claim is covered. They may request the following:

a. they need additional information.

b. this is not a covered expense.

You can do the following, ask your doula for:

a. a copy of her certification (if she is certified) if not certified a letter of training. The letter of training will come from her training organization. It may be a verification of training or an outline of training components.

b. other credentials or relevant training, education and certifications. This can be a resume, copies of certificates, etc..

c. a letter detailing professional training and experience and what the doula did for you, written by the doula.

Other steps you can take are to:

Ask your care provider to send you a brief letter stating the benefit of the doula and how did the doula save money.

Write a personal letter explaining why a doula benefited you and fit into your overall care plan.

Submit the information to your insurance provider.

If the claim is refused follow up with Health Services, explain your wishes in a letter and follow up with a phone call explaining why you feel it is essential that it is covered.


© Birth Arts International, Demetria Clark 2015.