Blue Shield Promise Medi‑Cal Doula — San Diego (How to Get Covered)
Yes—Blue Shield Promise (Medi‑Cal) covers doula care in San Diego. Covered services include one initial 90‑minute visit; up to eight additional prenatal/postpartum visits in any mix; labor & birth support (including miscarriage/abortion/stillbirth); and up to two extended three‑hour postpartum visits within one year after pregnancy. This plan requires a written recommendation from a licensed provider (PCP, OB, CNM, etc.); we’ll help you get it.
Woman holding newborn in the hospital
At a glance
Who qualifies: Anyone pregnant or within one year after pregnancy and enrolled in Blue Shield Promise Medi‑Cal (San Diego County)
What’s covered: Initial visit, eight additional prenatal/postpartum visits, birth support, two 3‑hour postpartum visits
Recommendation rules: Written recommendation required for the initial set (we’ll coordinate). A second recommendation allows up to nine additional postpartum visits if needed
Where care happens: Virtual or in‑person (home, clinic/office, hospital, or birth center)
Cost to you: $0 for covered members
How to get covered (Step‑by‑step)
Tell us you have Blue Shield Promise (Medi‑Cal) in San Diego. Not sure? We’ll check.
We help you get the written recommendation. You can ask your PCP/OB/CNM, or we’ll coordinate with the Blue Shield Promise Maternity Care Management team to issue it quickly.
We verify eligibility for the month of service and confirm your preferred visit schedule (virtual or in‑person).
We schedule your first prenatal or postpartum visit and set up text/phone check‑ins.
If you need more postpartum help, we’ll coordinate the second recommendation that allows up to nine additional postpartum visits.
What’s included with Blue Shield Promise
Initial 90‑minute visit to set goals, plan care, and coordinate with your clinical team
Up to eight additional prenatal/postpartum visits in any mix based on your needs
Labor & birth support (including support for miscarriage, abortion, or stillbirth)
Two extended 3‑hour postpartum visits for hands‑on recovery, lactation support, and home transition
Telehealth available for all visit types
Scope note: Doulas provide non‑medical support and work alongside your clinical team.
FAQs
Do I need a referral? Yes—Blue Shield Promise requires a written recommendation from a licensed provider for the initial set. We’ll help you get it via your provider or the Maternity Care Management team.
Can I use all my visits postpartum only? Yes—you can use the initial and all eight additional visits during the postpartum period if you didn’t have a doula while pregnant. Two extended 3‑hour postpartum visits are included; if you need more, we’ll coordinate a second recommendation for up to nine additional postpartum visits.
Where can visits happen? Home, office/clinic, hospital, or birth center; virtual options are available for every visit type.
Is loss support covered? Yes—coverage includes miscarriages, abortion, and stillbirth.
How do I reach you when labor starts? You’ll have a direct text/phone line to your doula with backup coverage.
Contact Melancentric — Book Your Complimentary Consult
Call: 619‑379‑0011
Text: 619‑379‑0011
Book online: thefullspectrumdoula.org (Complimentary Consult)
Member tip: Blue Shield Promise members can contact Maternity Care Management at (888) 802‑4410 (TTY 711), 8 a.m.–5 p.m. PT, Mon–Fri for help with recommendations.
