Does Apple Health Cover a Doula in Washington?

Yes. Here is how Washington Apple Health's birth doula benefit works and how to use it.

THE SHORT ANSWER

  • Washington Apple Health (Medicaid) started covering birth doula services on January 1, 2025.
  • The doula must be certified by the Washington Department of Health and enrolled with Apple Health.
  • Apple Health covers more than 40 percent of births in Washington, so many families qualify.

This page is general information, not medical advice. Always talk with your doctor or midwife about your own care.

How the benefit works

The Washington State Health Care Authority launched the birth doula benefit at the start of 2025. Doulas who are certified through the Department of Health and enrolled with Apple Health can bill Apple Health directly for supporting their clients. The state set reimbursement of up to $3,500 per doula per client, one of the highest rates in the country.

  • Prenatal and postpartum visits, some of which can happen by video
  • Labor and birth support
  • Support after a loss. Apple Health has clarified that clients who experience a miscarriage, stillbirth, or other perinatal loss are eligible for doula services

How to use it

  • Confirm your coverage. If you have Apple Health while pregnant or after pregnancy, you are likely eligible.
  • Find an enrolled doula. Ask each doula whether they are Department of Health certified and enrolled with Apple Health.
  • Ask early. The benefit can start at any point in pregnancy, but starting early gives you more time for visits.

Where I am in the process

I am a certified doula, but I'm not able to accept insurance yet, including Apple Health. I'm working on getting approved. If you have Apple Health, please reach out anyway. I can tell you exactly where I am in the process and help you find the right support either way. For families paying privately, see my pricing guide.

Living in Idaho?

The Apple Health benefit is for Washington Medicaid. Idaho families should check with Idaho Medicaid or their insurance plan about doula coverage.

Questions families ask

When did Apple Health start covering doulas?
Washington Apple Health began covering birth doula services on January 1, 2025.
Does any doula take Apple Health?
No. The doula must be certified by the Washington Department of Health and enrolled as an Apple Health provider.
Are doula visits covered after a miscarriage or loss?
Apple Health has clarified that clients who experience perinatal loss, such as miscarriage or stillbirth, are eligible for birth doula services.
Do you accept Apple Health?
Not yet. I'm working on getting approved to accept insurance, including Apple Health. Reach out and I will tell you where I am in the process.

Keep reading

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Have Apple Health and want a doula? Reach out and let's talk about your options. Consultations are always free.

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