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Doula's and Insurance

eros1202eros1202 member
in Natural Birth
Hi Ladies! My husband and I have decided to hire a doula team for our birth experience. I am having a VBAC and will be delivering in the hospital. I was wondering if anyone had experience with getting your insurance to cover some (or all) of the expense? I would appreciate any tips you have! TIA
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Re: Doula's and Insurance

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    erineliz0406erineliz0406 member
    I've used a doula twice and paid cash. I've never heard of insurance covering one. If finances are an issue, you can hire a student doula for free (or almost free) or most doula's work on a sliding scale based on your income. Good luck! Using a doula is a VERY smart move. 
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    ark83ark83 member
    Doulas are cash only here. Insurance wouldn't cover a cent because a doula isn't a medical provider.
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    skhchichskhchich member
    Doulas are sometimes able to be covered (or reimbursed ) by insurance. You need to talk to your insurance company and ask doulas you interview about their experience with this. It's certainly not unheard of.
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    see8esee8e member
    Mine wasn't covered but she was so worth every out-of-pocket penny! We paid $500 and I had 8 hrs labor, 1 hr pushing, no pain meds or IV (FTM).
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    ChristyM87ChristyM87 member
    erineliz0406 said:

    I've used a doula twice and paid cash. I've never heard of insurance covering one. If finances are an issue, you can hire a student doula for free (or almost free) or most doula's work on a sliding scale based on your income. Good luck! Using a doula is a VERY smart move. 

    I wouldn't assume that you will be able to find a free doula. I do believe that if you have a flexible spending account you can use those pre tax dollars to pay for the doula
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    npierce19npierce19 member
    My insurance does not cover doula service because they are not considered medically necessary.  The cost through the service I am using is between $400 and $1,500 depending on the experience of the doula, and the level of service she is providing.  Just for labor, labor & postpartum, overnight etc...
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