Doula's

Re: Doula's

• amandac12581 member

  February 2016

  I don't have any helpful insight on this as a FTM, but may I suggest calling your insurance provider and asking if they cover a doula?  I'm not well versed in tax law, but maybe you can claim it as a write off on medical expenses on your return (definitely check with a tax professional on that one first though)

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• wildtot member

  February 2016

  I had check on the few I have in my area and none took insurance  Going with c section so don't need one after all.

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• Angelat228 member

  February 2016

  I did talk to my insurance provider.  I had read somewhere that it depends on how it is coded, and sometimes you have to submit it a couple times before they decide to cover it.  My doula has a tax id, so I am pretty sure I can at least write it off on my taxes as a medical expense.

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• momofmanyinthemitten member

  February 2016

  I just met with my doula a couple days ago and she said that most insurance companies will say that it's not covered, but she's had 5 clients in the last 3 months that have submitted paperwork post partum and it was approved. I think she said they've been paying $750, which is not her entire fee, but certainly a good chunk of it.

  
  

   
  
  

  

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• Cowboycorgi member

  February 2016

  kielpinskim said:

  I just met with my doula a couple days ago and she said that most insurance companies will say that it's not covered, but she's had 5 clients in the last 3 months that have submitted paperwork post partum and it was approved. I think she said they've been paying $750, which is not her entire fee, but certainly a good chunk of it.

  
  I am a birth doula, and I have had better luck with insurance if the client pays me after service then gets reimbursed through insurance like PP stated. I will usually write up a small report detailing labor and any interventions used or avoided during delivery for the client to send in with the claim. 

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• Angelat228 member

  February 2016

  If you don't mind me asking, what state are you a doula in?

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• Jules08 member

  February 2016

  If your insurance won't cover the service, you can also try to use FSA / HSA funds (if you have an account set up) to cover some of the costs.

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• Angelat228 member

  February 2016

  I didn't even think of my HSA/FSA Funds paying for that!  Great idea!
  
  

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• Disneygirl921 member

  February 2016

  just want to follow this thread, we just hired a doula team (they share a call schedule, which means you know who your back up will be).  everything I have see says most insurance doesn't cover, but I would love to know if there are hints or tricks to getting it paid for.

  ~~When you wish upon a star ~~

  
  

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• JadaBlue member

  February 2016

  Just a note that medical expenses can't be deducted from your federal taxes unless they exceed 10% of your Adjusted Gross income, which I hope they don't! My doula works with my OB who rolls her fee into his when he bills insurers.

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• momofmanyinthemitten member

  February 2016

  JadaBlue said:

  Just a note that medical expenses can't be deducted from your federal taxes unless they exceed 10% of your Adjusted Gross income, which I hope they don't! My doula works with my OB whuuo rolls her fee into his when he bills insurers.

  What a fabulous idea!

  
  

   
  
  

  

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• Cowboycorgi member

  February 2016

  Angelat228 said:

  If you don't mind me asking, what state are you a doula in?

  I'm in Michigan.

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• Angelat228 member

  March 2016

  Ok. I'm in Indiana! I'm hoping I can find a way to deter the coat

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