NHeLP Analysis Finds Gaps in Medicaid Doula Enrollment Across States
In a National Health Law Program report, researchers analyze doula provider enrollment data across the 28 states, Guam, and Washington D.C. that have implemented Medicaid coverage for doula care. The analysis compares doulas with National Provider Identifier numbers to those actually enrolled as Medicaid providers, finding comprehensive data in only ten states. California and Michigan lead in enrollment numbers and NPI-to-enrollment conversion rates, which the authors attribute to sustained state agency collaboration and dedicated workforce-building initiatives rather than managed care structure. The report finds a persistent gap nationwide between enrolled doulas and Medicaid-financed births, citing New Jersey's 254 enrolled doulas against roughly 30,000 Medicaid-financed births annually as evidence of limited access despite expanding coverage.