UnitedHealthcare is expanding its doula benefit to employer plans nationwide, the insurance giant announced Monday.
The company said in the announcement that it intends to continue expanding the reach of its Doula Support program to additional employer groups throughout this year and expects that 7.2 million members would be eligible by Jan. 1, 2027.
Through the program, patients can connect with doulas who provide additional emotional, physical and education support during a pregnancy and postpartum. Doulas can offer key guidance to prepare for delivery and during labor as well as supports for newborn care, UnitedHealth said.
“We believe that everyone deserves meaningful support through their maternity journey,” said Rebecca Madsen, CEO of advocacy, behavioral and clinical for UnitedHealthcare. “Expanding doula access may help give more people personalized, whole-person support.”
The benefit is designed to offer flexibility, including both in-person and virtual visits with doulas. Members may be covered for a certain number of doula visits or have a reimbursement allotment for their services, according to the announcement.
Members can also choose when they’d prefer to receive doula services, either during pregnancy, birth or postpartum, or a combination that meets their needs, UnitedHealthcare said.
The company noted that maternal health outcomes remain a major healthcare challenge across the country, and most deaths related to pregnancy are considered preventable. Access to doulas can help prevent poor outcomes, including a reduction in preterm births and cesarean sections.
In addition, doulas can support higher breastfeeding rates and lead patients to feel more satisfied with their maternity care. UnitedHealthcare noted that studies suggest having access to doula services can reduce postpartum anxiety and depression by 57%.
Maternal health has been a focus area for UnitedHealth Group, with its philanthropic arm, the United Health Foundation, announcing $7 million in maternal and infant health grants last year, including $1 million set aside for strengthening and diversifying the doula workforce.