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HB 538Introduced; filed Nov. 9, 202690th Regular Session (2027)

Medicaid would cover doula services from the start of your pregnancy through your baby's first year

What it does

The bill would require Medicaid to pay for doula services given to people on the program. Coverage would begin when a medical professional confirms the pregnancy and run through the 12th month after the pregnancy ends. The Health and Human Services Commission would ask federal officials to amend the state Medicaid plan by January 1, 2028. If a federal waiver is needed, the commission could delay putting the change in place, and the bill takes effect September 1, 2027.

What it means for your community

If you are on Medicaid and pregnant, doula services could be covered from your pregnancy through the first year after the birth. The bill does not spell out which doula services are covered. The change depends on federal approval of a Medicaid plan change, so the start date is not guaranteed.

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Read the full bill on Texas Legislature Online

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