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Friday, Apr. 10, 2026

Are doula services covered under Wisconsin Medicaid?

Madeline Heim / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Wisconsin Watch
no

Doula services aren’t covered by Wisconsin Medicaid – known as BadgerCare – as of April 2026.

Doulas provide emotional support and education around childbirth. Unlike midwives (which are covered), they don’t perform medical tasks.

A Wisconsin Department of Health Services spokesperson confirmed doulas aren’t covered as a stand-alone benefit for Medicaid recipients. 

State law requires the health department to get legislative approval before making changes to Medicaid. Doula coverage has been proposed by Gov. Tony Evers and Democratic lawmakers but has not come to pass.

According to the National Health Law Program, 26 states and Washington, D.C., are actively reimbursing for Medicaid coverage of doula care. Seven more are in the process of doing so.

A 2024 study from the American Journal of Public Health found Medicaid recipients with doulas had a 47% lower risk of cesarean delivery and a 29% lower risk of preterm birth than those without.

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