Pulse development · 1 cited source · August 14, 2026
Medicaid Doula Coverage Outruns Participation in Northern Virginia
Doulas are covered in 26 states and Washington, D.C.; a June registry review found just 19 Northern Virginia doulas accepting Medicaid.
Medicaid now covers doula services in 26 states and Washington, D.C., but coverage can still leave a parent without a participating doula. KFF Health News reports that a June review of the Virginia Certification Board’s Doula Registry found just 19 doulas based in Northern Virginia who accept Medicaid. The state began reimbursing doulas through Medicaid in 2022, yet doulas told KFF that administrative and logistical barriers still reach parents.
A doula provides education during pregnancy and birth, advocates for a parent in the hospital, and can help with lactation and recovery after delivery. Doulas work alongside doctors or midwives rather than replacing medical care. Taja Iglesias, founder of The Momager Co. in Alexandria, described the role in direct terms: “The doula is the person that already knows what you want.” Her agency also offers birth education, diapers, food, and a place designed around pregnancy, birth, and child care.
The access problem is wider than one registry. KFF reports that covered services and the number of Medicaid-funded visits vary by state. An additional 20 states have considered doula-coverage proposals or are implementing them. For a Virginia parent, the immediate test is whether the next registry review shows more doulas accepting Medicaid.
Evidence
Each statement shown below is a verified claim this source supports.
- Medicaid covers doula services in 26 states and Washington, D.C.
- A June review found just 19 Northern Virginia doulas in the Virginia Certification Board registry who accept Medicaid.
- Virginia began reimbursing doulas through Medicaid in 2022.
- Virginia doulas say administrative and logistical barriers reach Medicaid parents.
- Perinatal doula care includes pregnancy and birth education, hospital advocacy, and help with lactation and recovery.
- Doulas often work alongside doctors or midwives who provide medical care.
- Taja Iglesias said, “The doula is the person that already knows what you want.”
- The Alexandria space built by Iglesias and her business partner offers birth education, diapers, food, and a setting for pregnancy, birth, and child care.
- The Medicaid-covered doula services and number of visits vary by state.
- An additional 20 states have considered doula coverage or are implementing it.
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