California Expanded Medi-Cal Doula Benefits in 2023
Doula care support now available to help address pregnancy-related health disparities for Black mothers.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Pregnancy
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In 2023, California began covering doula care as a Medi-Cal benefit to provide additional support during pregnancy and childbirth. This initiative follows reports showing that non-Hispanic Black women in the state experience pregnancy-related mortality rates four times greater than other women.
Why it matters
Structural barriers to high-quality care contribute to significant health inequities for Black birthing mothers in California. This coverage aims to empower patients with advocates who can navigate clinical settings and provide information on medical alternatives.
The CDC reported a maternal mortality rate of 44.8 deaths per 100,000 live births for non-Hispanic Black women in 2024. California is now working toward a target mortality rate of 42.3 per 100,000 by 2030.
The players
California Department of Public Health
The state agency overseeing public health programs and the Title V Action Plan to address maternal mortality disparities.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
The federal agency that monitors national health data and provides the maternal mortality statistics used to assess public health trends.
The details
Doulas provide essential guidance on medical induction guidelines, potential alternatives, and postpartum support strategies. They act as informed assistants who help partners participate in the birthing process while helping mothers advocate for their specific preferences. By facilitating communication between patients and clinical staff, doulas work to address outcomes related to cardiovascular disease, hemorrhage, and other primary causes of pregnancy-related mortality.
Timeline
2021-2023: Period when leading pregnancy-related deaths occurred.
2023: California began covering doula care as a Medi-Cal benefit.
2024: CDC published its annual maternal mortality report.
November 2025: Cassandra Carter gave birth to her daughter, Nyomi.
2030: Target date for the maternal mortality reduction goal.
The Home Front
California is integrating community-based doula support into the state health system to combat systemic disparities. This move aligns with the CDPH Title V Action Plan, which focuses on targeted interventions to reach specific mortality reduction benchmarks by 2030.
If you are a Medi-Cal beneficiary in California, consult with your primary care provider or obstetrician to discuss the process for accessing covered doula services. Keep your health insurance documentation organized and verify if your preferred doula is enrolled as an authorized provider.
The takeaway
Doula support acts as a critical bridge between patients and clinical care teams to improve birthing outcomes. Families should inquire with their health insurance plan about covered support services to ensure they have the necessary advocacy and resources during pregnancy and postpartum.
Further reading
Learn more about local support services in the Pregnancy section.
More information
Review resources regarding patient advocacy and health coverage through the California Health Care Foundation.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Los Angeles Sentinel.
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