New Doula Support benefit designed to offer employees additional support

Beginning Jan. 1, 2026, UnitedHealthcare is helping employees of self-insured employers access additional support throughout pregnancy. The Doula Support benefit  provides limited reimbursement for doula service expenses incurred by eligible covered individuals. It may help overcome a financial barrier for those who would be interested in receiving doula support during pregnancy.

A doula is a non-licensed, non-clinical birth coach who provides continuous emotional, educational and physical support to a mother before, during and after labor, such as birth plan development, labor coaching and adjustment to life with a newborn, Working with a doula may help improve maternal and infant outcomes, enhance engagement and satisfaction with maternity care, and reduce pregnancy-related health care spending.^{1 2}

Employees can learn more about doula services, benefits to working with a doula and suggestions for locating a doula on myuhc.com®. After an employee engages and pays a doula directly, they can submit receipts and proof of doula training for reimbursement on the UnitedHealthcare® app or myuhc.com.

Offering the Doula Support reimbursement program may help employers maximize their scope of benefits, save money and retain employees. Employees who have positive birthing experiences may be more likely to return to work after recovery.

Contact your UnitedHealthcare representative to learn more about Doula Support.