UnitedHealthcare launching Doula Support effective January 1, 2026

UnitedHealthcare launched Doula Support to ASO and select FI groups effective Jan. 1, 2026, with additional plan options and eligible groups becoming available beginning July 1, 2026.

Pregnancy is more than a medical journey — it’s an emotional, physical and deeply personal experience. Without the right support, it may be harder for pregnant people to follow provider guidance and advocate for themselves, leading to higher health care costs and poorer health outcomes.

The Doula Support benefit offers plan participants the option to have a doula during their pregnancy, birth experience and postpartum support. Benefit offer is available up to one year after pregnancy diagnosis. A doula is a non-licensed, non-clinical coach who provides continuous emotional, informational and physical support for individuals before, during and after labor.

Depending on the employer plan type there are two benefit models: covered and member reimbursement. Regardless of the benefit type, eligible covered individuals can choose any trained doula they want and pay for services out-of-pocket. Employees under the reimbursement model pay out-of-pocket and then submit a reimbursement form along with a copy of their doula’s training certificate and receipt(s) of service and are reimbursed up to the maximum set by the employer.

Doula Support may include:

• Birth plan development
• Evidence-based education on pregnancy risks and warning signs
• Labor positioning, coaching and pain support
• Lactation education and support
• Social services referrals
• Trauma-informed care
  

For additional information please contact your UnitedHealthcare representative.