State Policy · AR
Arkansas Medicaid to Cover Doula Services Starting September 1
Arkansas Medicaid will begin covering doula services on September 1, 2026, following Legislative Council approval of implementing rules on August 21. The coverage stems from 2025 state legislation requiring Medicaid reimbursement for doula care. Low-income expectant parents enrolled in Arkansas Medicaid will be eligible for covered doula services. This expands the state's maternal health benefit package and aligns Arkansas with a growing number of states using Medicaid to improve birth outcomes and address maternal mortality disparities.
Why it mattersArkansas managed care organizations must prepare provider networks, claims systems, and benefit communications for doula service coverage within two weeks of rule approval.