TITLE X
PUBLIC HEALTH

CHAPTER 126-A
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Medicaid Coverage of Certain Birthing, Postpartum, and Newborn Services

Section 126-A:99

    126-A:99 Medicaid Doula Coverage. –
I. Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, doula services shall be covered under the medical assistance for eligible Medicaid beneficiaries.
II. As used in this section, "doula services" means services provided by a highly-qualified doula certified by the state pursuant to RSA 310-A:222 and designed to provide physical, emotional, and educational support to pregnant women before, during, and after childbirth. Doula services include the following:
(a) Support and assistance during labor and childbirth.
(b) Prenatal and postpartum support and education.
(c) Breastfeeding assistance and lactation support.
(d) Parenting education.
(e) Support for a birthing person following loss of pregnancy.
III. The department of health and human services is authorized to take any action to include doula services in the medical assistance program, including seeking waivers or amending the Medicaid state plan to provide reimbursement for doulas who provide Medicaid eligible services to eligible Medicaid beneficiaries.
IV. Not later than January 31, 2025, the commissioner shall report to the oversight committee on health and human services, the legislative committees with jurisdiction over health and human services, and the governor, a set of metrics determined by the department of health and human services.
V. The department shall adopt rules pursuant to RSA 541-A to implement the provisions of this section. The rules shall address the requirements and expertise of practicing doulas, doula training providers, and home visiting experts. Every 2 years, the department shall assess the rates of reimbursement for doula services and adjust rates accordingly.

Source. 2023, 79:415, eff. July 1, 2023.