Does Alameda Alliance for Health Cover a Doula?

Yes. If you're a Medi-Cal member, Alameda Alliance for Health covers doula care. You can use it while you're pregnant or anytime in the year after your pregnancy ends, including after an abortion, miscarriage or stillbirth. The Alliance says no authorization is required.

The Alliance also offers doula services as a covered benefit for Group Care members. If you're not sure what applies to your plan, Member Services can tell you.

What does Alameda Alliance doula care cost?

Covered Medi-Cal doula visits generally come with no out-of-pocket cost. Some plans can have copays, though, so if you're not sure about yours, your doula or Orka can help you figure it out.

What's included

Here's what your Alliance doula benefit covers:

• An initial visit to get to know each other
• Eight prenatal or postpartum visits, virtual or in person
• Support during labor and birth, virtual or in person
• Two extended postpartum visits of three hours each
• Abortion support
• Loss support, including after a miscarriage or stillbirth
• Nine additional postpartum visits, with an additional recommendation your doula can easily get signed

You can use these visits during pregnancy and for up to one year after your pregnancy ends.

Do I need a doctor's recommendation?

No, not for most of your visits. You don't need a written recommendation for the visits included in the state's standing recommendation. If you want the nine additional postpartum visits, you'll need one more recommendation, and your doula can easily get it signed.

The Alliance has its own form for those extra nine visits. A doctor, midwife or other licensed provider can fill it out, and they don't have to be in the Alliance network.

How to find an Alameda Alliance doula

1. Search the Provider Directory. Open the Alliance's online directory, pick Medi-Cal as your plan and Doula as the specialty. From there you can reach out to a doula directly.
2. Or call Member Services. Call 1.510.747.4567 or toll-free 1.877.932.2738 (TTY 711 or 1.800.735.2929), Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
3. Talk to a few doulas. Ask about their experience and how they like to work. Make sure they're free around your due date and can get to your home and hospital.

Where visits can happen

Wherever works for you: virtually or in person, at home, in an office, at a hospital or at a birth center.

What a doula can help with

A doula is there to support you, not to give medical care. That support can include:

• Childbirth education
• Creating a birth plan
• Help making decisions about your care
• Connecting you with community resources
• Breastfeeding or chestfeeding education and support

Your doula works alongside your doctor or midwife and doesn't replace them.

Looking for a doula? Orka Health is a doula provider group in network with Alameda Alliance for Health, and we'd love to help you find your match. Find a doula who accepts your insurance.

Sources: Alameda Alliance for Health: Medi-Cal Benefits and Covered Services; Alameda Alliance for Health: Doula Benefit Overview (May 2025); Alameda Alliance for Health: Members; DHCS: Medi-Cal Managed Care Plan Contact List for Members (July 2025); National Health Law Program: California Doula Medi-Cal Benefit FAQ (2023). Coverage varies by plan, so confirm yours with your plan.