IEHP Medi‑Cal Doula — Riverside & San Bernardino (How to Get Covered)
Yes—IEHP covers doula care. 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. Below: exact steps, what’s included, and how Melancentric handles the paperwork.
At a glance
Who qualifies: Anyone pregnant or within one year after pregnancy and enrolled in IEHP Medi‑Cal (Riverside or San Bernardino County)
What’s covered: Initial visit, eight additional prenatal/postpartum visits, birth support, two 3‑hour postpartum visits
Recommendation rules: DHCS issued a standing recommendation for the initial set of services. 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 IEHP Medi‑Cal (Riverside or San Bernardino). Not sure? We’ll check.
We verify eligibility with IEHP for the month of service and confirm if any documentation is needed.
We use the DHCS standing recommendation (or coordinate a provider note), which authorizes the initial visit, eight additional visits, labor/birth support, and two extended postpartum visits.
We schedule your first prenatal or postpartum visit (virtual or in‑person) and set up text/phone check‑ins.
If you need more postpartum help, we’ll obtain the second recommendation that allows up to nine additional postpartum visits.
What’s included with IEHP
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
Dad holding newborn
Scope note: Doulas provide non‑medical support and work alongside your clinical team.
FAQs
Do I need a referral? For the initial set of services, the DHCS standing recommendation works. If more postpartum visits are needed, we’ll coordinate the second recommendation with your licensed provider.
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; we can request the second recommendation for up to nine more postpartum visits when appropriate.
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: Complimentary Consultation
Member tip: IEHP members can also contact IEHP Member Services: 1‑800‑440‑IEHP (4347) | TTY 1‑800‑718‑4347 or email doula@iehp.org.
