How to Use Your San Mateo County Health Plan to Get a Doula—Step-by-Step Guide
If you’re pregnant and covered by San Mateo County Health Plan through Medi-Cal, you may be eligible for free doula support throughout your pregnancy, birth, and postpartum recovery.
But many families in San Mateo County don’t know how to access this benefit—or how to find a doula who’s actually approved. This guide will show you how to get started and connect with a trained, credentialed doula through Melancentric.
Step-by-Step Guide to Getting a Doula with San Mateo County Health Plan
Step 1: Make Sure You're Enrolled in the Right Plan
Check your Medi-Cal information or insurance card. If you’re a member of:
San Mateo County Health Plan – Medi-Cal
you may be eligible to receive doula services at no cost.
Step 2: Understand What’s Covered
Your plan includes:
The first visit.
A combination of eight total prenatal and postpartum visits.
Support during labor and delivery (including labor resulting in stillbirth or miscarriage).
Up to two extended postpartum visits (maximum three hours each) after the end of a pregnancy.
Support during and after abortion services.
If more care is needed after birth, up to nine more postpartum visits by a doula may be covered with a recommendation from an Obstetric (OB) provider or Primary Care Provider (PCP).
Step 3: Choose a Credentialed Doula in Your Area
Not all doulas are approved to work with the San Mateo County Health Plan.
Melancentric is fully credentialed to support members in San Mateo County and can take clients directly—no referral is required from a doctor or OB.
We handle the paperwork and insurance navigation, so you can focus on feeling supported.
Step 4: Reach Out to Melancentric to Get Started
Here’s how to begin:
Email us at info.thefullspectrumdoula@gmail.com
We'll verify your coverage, pair you with a certified doula, and schedule your first visit.
Step 5: Receive Compassionate, Professional Doula Support
Melancentric doulas are trained to work in clinical settings and serve a wide range of clients, including:
First-time parents
High-risk pregnancies
C-section recovery
Emotional and physical postpartum needs
Whether you’re birthing at San Mateo Medical Center or another facility, we’re ready to walk with you from start to finish.
Now Accepting San Mateo Clients
Melancentric is currently accepting San Mateo County Health Plan members.
If you’re pregnant or postpartum, you could receive doula support at no cost to you.
