OLYMPIA — Washington state will soon have the highest Medicaid reimbursement rate for birth doulas in the U.S. thanks to the efforts of Sen. T’wina Nobles (D-Fircrest).
The supplemental operating budget, signed into law Friday, allows birth doulas to claim up to $3,500 per doula — making it the highest rate in the nation, according to the National Health Law Program. The budget also allocates funding to establish a statewide “Doula Hub” to create a referral system for Medicaid recipients and help doulas navigate the Medicaid billing system.
“Birth doulas play a vital role in ensuring that every mother receives the attention and resources she deserves, ultimately leading to safer and more equitable childbirth experiences,” Nobles said. “This is a major win for our birth doulas in Washington state, and I’m so grateful for the support from the Doulas For All Coalition in helping make it happen.”
The supplemental operating budget will go into effect July 1.
