Hello beautiful families!
Annie here from Bright Blessings Birth Services.
I’m so excited to share news that’s truly planting a legacy for maternal care right here in Arkansas! For too long, doula support felt out of reach financially. That’s changing now, and it’s all about planting support, growing families!
Your Doula & Childbirth Education: Insurance Coverage is Coming!
As of August 3, 2025, a new Arkansas law (Act 965) requires private health benefit plans to cover services provided by certified community-based doulas. This is monumental for Arkansas maternal health!
Why August 3, 2025? In Arkansas, new laws become effective 90 days after the legislative session officially ends. Our 95th General Assembly concluded on May 5, 2025, making August 3 the effective date for this vital act.
What This Means For You: Empowered Births & Support!
This law expands access to the personalized emotional, physical, and informational support doulas provide throughout pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. It also recognizes the value of childbirth education in preparing you for a confident and empowering experience. It’s all part of our mission to help you feel rooted and ready, truly planting support, growing families from the very start.
How to Get Your Doula Care Covered: Your Action Plan!
While coverage is mandated, specific reimbursement details depend on your plan. Here’s how to navigate your insurance for doulas:
- Verify Your Benefits: Contact your health insurance provider. You can find their number on your insurance card.
- Key Questions to Ask: Inquire about reimbursement rates, service limits, physician referrals, claim submission processes (superbill), and any applicable CPT codes.
- Understand the Superbill: You’ll typically pay your doula directly (which may change in the future as health plans start including Doulas in their network, but right now they have no one in network which creates an exemption). After services, you’ll receive a detailed “superbill” to submit to your insurer for reimbursement.
- Choose a Certified Doula: The law applies to certified community-based doulas. When selecting your doula, ensure they hold recognized certifications that align with the standards of the Doula Alliance of Arkansas. Their accepted certification training organizations include: Birthing Advocacy Doulas Training, CAPPA, Cornerstone Doula Training, DONA, Madriella, National Black Doulas Association, ProDoula, Stillbirthday, and Ujima Maternity Network.
As your doula at Bright Blessings Birth Services, I proudly hold certifications from both Madriella and Stillbirthday, two respected organizations on this list. With deep expertise gained as the trusted lead trainer for the Madriella Doula Network from 2013-2020, where I trained many doulas now serving Arkansas, I bring experience and wisdom to guide families. This ensures you’re working with a qualified professional whose doula services fall under this new mandate.
Your Journey, Brighter Than Ever!
This new law is a testament to the vital role doulas in Arkansas play in improving outcomes. It’s a huge step toward making this personalized support accessible. We are so excited to continue planting support, growing families across our community.
I am so thrilled about what this means for you. If you have questions about my services or navigating doula insurance coverage, please do not hesitate to reach out!
Wishing you bright blessings on your journey,
Angela M. “Annie” Hill
Certified FullSpectrum Doula & Childbirth Educator
Bright Blessings Birth Services
Website: brightblessings.us
Email: annie@brightblessings.us
Phone: 314-328-9662