In a perfect world, every birthing family interested in doula support would have access to care. Equally, in a perfect world, every doula would be fairly compensated for their time. In one small step towards that, the International Doula Institute is Medicaid approved in several states, now including Illinois!
So, what does this mean? In each US state, Medicaid is run in a unique way. Some state’s Medicaid works with doulas, others do not. However, in exciting news, Illinois not only works with doulas, but your certification from the International Doula Institute is also Medicaid approved.
Why Would Medicaid Reimburse or Cover Doula Services?
Research shows what many doulas have always known, continuous labor support improves birth outcomes. It also offers support for marginalized groups where we know there are disparities in birth outcomes.
In fact, the federal government offered states the opportunity to request additional funding to improve birth outcomes, including for doula services. While it was up to each individual state to opt in, it was made available knowing the importance of improving outcomes.
On December 15, 2023, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced the new Transforming Maternal Health (TMaH) Model. You can read more about it here:
Doulas Covered by Medicaid – New Transforming Maternal Health (TMaH) Model
International Doula Institute is Medicaid Approved in Illinois
At the International Doula Institute, we are a globally recognized training. Our standards and also our curriculum, are all designed to exceed minimum standards for doula training. We are recognized and approved in many US states.
We are also now officially recognized as a pre-approved training organization in Illinois.
SIU School of Medicine’s Office of Certification Strategies administers the Illinois Medicaid-Certified Doula Program with oversight and guidance by the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services.
We are proud to be officially recognized and approved by SIU School of Medicine’s Office of Certification Strategies and listed as a pre-approved training organization.
What Other States Have Recognized the International Doula Insitute?
As insurance, Medicaid, and funding are ever changing, we cannot guarantee this is an up-to-date list. However, not including states which do not offer Medicaid reimbursement for doulas, or states we are actively in the process of approval, we are approved in the following states:
- Arizona – Optional state licensure available for IDI Certified Doulas
- California – committed to equity and access, California recognizes many doula training pathways
- Colorado – in the process of pre-approved training organization. In the interim, IDI doulas can apply based on experience as a doula
- District of Colombia
- Illinois – pre-approved training organization
- Michigan – Approved by Medicaid
- Minnesota – recognized by the state health department
- Nevada – Approved by certification board
In addition to those states and territories mentioned, IDI Certified Doulas can seek the ability to work with Medicaid in additional states and other insurances through third parties.
Why is IDI not approved in all states? Not all states offer Medicaid reimbursement and thus they do not approve anyone. We are also in the process of approval in multiple states currently rolling out programs.
Want to work with Illinois Medicaid as a doula? Get started as a doula today!
Author: Aliza Juliette Bancoff
Aliza Juliette Bancoff is a well-known doula and doula trainer who has been providing doula services to families for over a decade. She is the founder of Main Line Doulas, a doula group providing doula support in the great Philadelphia area for the last decade, the International Doula Institute, which provides online doula training and lactation training and certification programs and the International Breastfeeding Institute which provides lactation training and certification. She is the co-founder of United Birth, a company devoted to increasing access to doulas across the country to make the perinatal time safer both physically and emotionally. “Every birthing person deserves access to quality doula support. And we are working to make that a reality across the country. The work we are doing to get doulas to every birthing person will decrease the black infant and maternal mortality rate significantly by 2030.” Says Bancoff. Aliza is known for her compassionate and empowering approach to doula work, and she has been featured in numerous media outlets, including United Nations Maternal Health Report, Parent Magazine, CafeMom, theBump and many more. Aliza's journey into doula work began when she gave birth to her first child and felt a strong calling...