Understanding California's Medi-Cal Doula Benefit
At Melancentric: The Full Spectrum Doula Agency, we believe every woman deserves supportive, informed, and empowering care during pregnancy and postpartum. Thanks to a new initiative from the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS), that support is now more accessible than ever.
What Is the Medi-Cal Doula Benefit?
As of January 1, 2023, doula services are officially covered under Medi-Cal statewide. This means pregnant and postpartum women can receive emotional, physical, and informational support during:
Pregnancy
Labor and birth (including miscarriage and abortion support)
Up to 12 months postpartum
This benefit was designed to improve birth outcomes and reduce maternal disparities in California.
Who Is Eligible?
All Medi-Cal members who are pregnant—or were recently pregnant within the last year—are eligible. No individual doctor referral is required thanks to the standing recommendation from DHCS Medical Director Dr. Karen Mark.
What Services Are Covered?
Under Medi-Cal’s doula benefit, you may qualify for:
1 Initial Visit
Up to 8 Prenatal or Postpartum Visits
Labor and Birth Support (including support for miscarriage or abortion)
2 Extended Postpartum Visits (up to 3 hours each)
Need more support? Up to 9 extra postpartum visits can be added with a provider's recommendation. You can view the full policy on doula services here (DHCS Doula Policy Guide).
How to Access Doula Services
If you're a Medi-Cal recipient, here’s how to get started:
Check the Medi-Cal Doula Directory to find doulas in your area
Contact your Managed Care Plan's Member Services to confirm your benefits
Or reach out to Melancentric directly—we’ll help guide you
Why Doulas Matter
Doulas are proven to help reduce C-section rates, improve maternal satisfaction, and support breastfeeding success. Research shows that doula care improves outcomes—especially for women facing barriers to healthcare. Learn more from the California Health Care Foundation.
Need Help Finding a Doula?
Melancentric works with Medi-Cal across multiple California counties. Click here to find out if we are contracted in your area. Let us walk beside you—from pregnancy to postpartum.
