insurance coverage for doula?

[sfast]

I'm a federal employee and my insurance is through GEHA (United Healthcare). Does anyone know if this insurance company will cover doula services? thanks in advance!

[Anonymous]

no because they are bs

[Anonymous]

I have UHC (non fed) and they do not cover doula services under my plan. I have never heard of a plan that does ....

[Anonymous]

Why would insurance cover it? They are not medical professions therefore its a total elective service. I would equate it to acupuncture.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why would insurance cover it? They are not medical professions therefore its a total elective service. I would equate it to acupuncture.

They can certainly reduce the need of "medical" intervention and expensive "proceedures".

[Anonymous]

My doula actually provided me with the paperwork to provide to my insurance provider which is UHC (non-fed).

She said that they have covered it in the past, but it's typically through an appeal process, and your doctor would have to write a note saying something to the affect that the doula services prevented a C-section which would have resulted in additional costs to the insurance company.

I'm still pregnant so have not gone through the hoops and jumps to do this, but me and my DH were also perfectly fine with absorbing the costs since we were already told by UHC that they do not typically cover this.

At the same time, our Doula (highly recommended) only charged $500.00.

[Anonymous]

Hello - I was just wondering if anyone has had success yet in getting UHC (non-fed) to reimburse for their Doula? or if anyone can recommend one? The person above mentioned having a highly recommended one for $500 - can you share her information?

[Anonymous]

They are not a medical professional and not covered. It's great if you can afford the 500-1,5000 but it's totally elective. Just like prenatal yoga isn't covered although it may help you during pregnancy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why would insurance cover it? They are not medical professions therefore its a total elective service. I would equate it to acupuncture.

My insurance covers acupuncture.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:no because they are bs

Do you realize how many threads you say this on? No one cares about your opinion.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why would insurance cover it? They are not medical professions therefore its a total elective service. I would equate it to acupuncture.

My insurance covers acupuncture.

As does mine (BCBS), up to 40% of the charge. My insurance does not cover doulas, however.