UnitedHealthcare is expanding doula coverage to eligible employer-sponsored plans nationwide.
“UnitedHealthcare now will be the first to offer doula support in employer-sponsored and commercial members at this scale across plans nationwide,” Rhonda Randall, DO, chief medical officer for the insurer’s employer and individual business, said on the Becker’s Payer Issues podcast.
The company said March 16 the expanded benefits could reach approximately 7.2 million members by Jan. 1, 2027, if employers opt into the offering. The expansion is being rolled out in phases throughout this year. Depending on employer benefit design, members may have access to a set number of doula visits or a reimbursement allowance. Doula visits can be conducted in person or virtually, and members can generally choose from doulas regardless of network affiliation.
The move comes as U.S. maternal morbidity and mortality rates have worsened over the last decade and compare poorly to other high-income nations. Dr. Randall pointed to published research supporting the expansion.
“There is improvement in preterm births, C-section rates going down by more than 52%, less babies need to be admitted to the NICU … decreases of postpartum depression and postpartum anxiety by 57% when a doula is part of the care team,” she said.
The United Health Foundation also previously committed $7 million in maternal and infant health grants, including $1 million directed toward expanding and diversifying the doula workforce.
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