Are Doulas Covered By Insurance?What About HSAs & FSAs?
Everything you need to know about insurance coverage for doulas, if you can use your HSA/FSAs to pay for doulas, and what other payment options may be available to you.
Are Doulas Covered By Insurance?
Doulas are integral members of birth and postpartum support teams and provide invaluable physical, emotional, and informational assistance during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum. Studies have shown that having a birth doula present during labor is associated with a decreased likelihood of medical interventions (such as cesarean sections, epidurals, and the use of synthetic oxytocin), shorter labor experiences, and greater satisfaction with the overall birth experience. Numerous studies have also highlighted the benefits of having a postpartum doula, emphasizing their positive impact on the well-being of new parents and the overall family dynamic by reducing feelings of anxiety, stress, and isolation and reducing the risk of pospartum mood disorders.
Beginning January 1, 2026, all Oregon Insurance companies will be mandated to cover birth doula and postpartum doula services. In the Birth First Community of doulas, we each can supply families with a super bill to attempt to get reimbursed after paying upfront for doula services. While private pay/commercial insurance is not set up for doulas to bill directly for payment, some in our community can bill Medicaid insurance directly.
Can I Use My HSA/FSA To Pay For Doula Services?
Yes! If your insurance plan does not cover doula services, we are happy to report that your Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) can be used to pay for birth doula and postpartum doula services. Many people in the US have HSA or FSA accounts, which are pre-tax savings funds earmarked for specific healthcare expenses. The IRS has designated doula services as a qualified medical expense for HSA and FSAs so that you can use these funds for your doula care. Paying for your doula care with HSA or FSA funds is often as simple as paying your invoice using the credit card issued by the HSA/FSA organization or employer.
Can I Use My Employer Benefit To Pay For Doula Services?
Tips For Navigating Insurance Coverage & HSA/FSA Payments
1. Contact Your Insurance Provider or HSA/FSA Provider: Reach out to your insurance provider or HSA/FSA provider to inquire about their policies regarding doula services. Ask your insurance provider and/or HSA/FSA provider what documentation is required when doulas services are a designated qualified medical expense.
2. Get Detailed Documentation: Ensure that you receive detailed invoices and “super bills” from your doula or doula agency. These documents might be necessary when filing an insurance claim or paying with an HSA/FSA.
3. Advocate For Coverage: If the doula care provider you would like to contract with is not included in your insurance company’s qualified provider list or does not qualify for your HSA/FSA, consider advocating for their inclusion. Share information about the potential benefits of doula care in improving outcomes and reducing medical interventions. Let your company know the right to choose the provider you feel safest and most confident with is the cornerstone to a successful doula/client relationship.
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Kind Words From Our Lovely Clients
“We chose a doula from Birth First and her reassurance, comforting touch, and ability to explain each step of the process allowed us to focus on the miracle of our baby’s arrival and her dedication extended far beyond the birth itself. Her postpartum support, her willingness to answer questions, and her genuine concern for our well-being truly touched our hearts. Our doula went above and beyond and her emotional support helped us navigate the transition into parenthood with more confidence than we ever thought possible.”
Kelle, NE Portland, Oregon
“We had the most incredible experience with Birth First and working with our doula was the best decision we ever made!!! The classes we took with Birth First educators were very helpful and worthwhile. We had a challenging birth and our doula was there with us every step of the way over the course of 3 days. She held space, kept the energy grounded, advocated for us, made us feel safe, and held our hand (literally!) through the entire experience. We’re in complete awe of her gift.”
Keelia, Portland, Oregon
“I cannot sing our doula’s praises loud enough. I had planned to have my baby at a birth center in town but ended up needing to transfer to the hospital mid-labor due to complications. In the stress and trauma of that situation, our doula was the glue that held us together and made the transfer so much smoother. She was there for not only me, but my husband and my mom as well, and continued to support us emotionally after the birth of my son. I honestly don’t know what we would’ve done without her. ”