How to Use Your CenCal Health Insurance to Get a Doula—Step-by-Step Guide

Jun 7

If you’re pregnant and have Medi-Cal through CenCal Health, you may qualify for free doula support—including help during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum recovery.
Many people in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties don’t realize this benefit exists, but it’s available now—and you don’t need a referral from your doctor to use it. Here’s how to get started.

Step-by-Step Guide to Getting a Doula with CenCal Health

Step 1: Confirm Your Insurance Plan

Look at your insurance card or login online. If it says:

CenCal Health – Medi-Cal

and you live in Santa Barbara or San Luis Obispo County, doula support is available to you with no cost out of pocket.

Step 2: What Doula Services Are Covered?

CenCal covers:

One initial visit
Up to eight additional prenatal or postpartum visits
Continuous support during labor and delivery
Continuous support during in cases of miscarriage or termination of pregnancy
Two extended postpartum visits
Up to 9 additional visits if recommended by a physician.

These services are fully paid for through Medi-Cal—you don’t need to worry about payment or copays.

Step 3: Choose a Doula Who’s Credentialed with CenCal

Melancentric is a credentialed doula provider with CenCal Health, serving both:

Santa Barbara County
San Luis Obispo County

You can reach out to us directly—no need to wait for a doctor referral. We’ll guide you through everything.

Step 4: Schedule Your First Appointment

Here’s how to connect with Melancentric:

Email us at info.thefullspectrumdoula.org
Or fill out our intake form

We’ll confirm your coverage, answer your questions, and schedule your first visit. Everything is personalized to your needs and preferences.

Step 5: Get Consistent, Compassionate Doula Support

Melancentric doulas are trained to support women emotionally, physically, and practically. Whether you're birthing in a hospital, at home, or in a birth center, we’re with you.

Support may include:

Coping techniques for labor
Nutrition and self-care guidance
Partner or family preparation
Emotional support and reassurance
Postpartum healing and newborn care tips

Now Accepting CenCal Clients

If you're in Santa Barbara or SLO County and have CenCal Health, we’d love to support you.

Email info.thefullspectrumdoula.org
You don’t need a referral—just reach out.

Nadja Jackson