Does Anthem Blue Cross Medi-Cal Cover a Doula?

Yes. Anthem Blue Cross covers doula care for its Medi-Cal members in California. You can use it while you're pregnant or within a year after your pregnancy ends, including after a miscarriage, stillbirth or abortion.

One quick note: this post is about Anthem Medi-Cal. If your Anthem plan comes through work or Covered California, it's a different plan, so call the number on your member card to ask about doula care.

What does Anthem Medi-Cal 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

Your Anthem Medi-Cal doula benefit includes:

• 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. There's no limit on where a visit happens, so it can be at home, in an office, at a hospital or at a birth center.

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.

Does my doula have to work with Anthem?

Yes, your doula needs to be in Anthem's network. If you already have someone in mind, ask them, or call Anthem to check.

Where is Anthem Medi-Cal offered?

The state lists the Anthem Blue Cross Partnership Plan in Alpine, Amador, Calaveras, El Dorado, Fresno, Inyo, Kern, Kings, Madera, Mono, Sacramento, San Francisco, Santa Clara, Tulare and Tuolumne counties. Some of these counties have other Medi-Cal plans too, so check the name on your member card.

In Los Angeles County, Anthem provides Medi-Cal under a contract with L.A. Care. Check with your doula or Orka before you book.

How to find an Anthem doula

1. Call Anthem. The Customer Care Center is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., at 800-407-4627 (TTY 711). In L.A. County, call 888-285-7801 (TTY 711).
2. Email the Doula Program. The state lists CADoulaProgram@anthem.com for doula questions.
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.

What isn't covered

Doulas give non-medical support, so some things fall outside the benefit. Anthem lists several services Medi-Cal doesn't cover as doula care, including:

• Medical advice, exams or diagnosing conditions
• Massage and yoga
• Photography and video
• Placenta encapsulation
• Shopping

Looking for a doula? Orka Health is a doula provider group in network with Anthem Blue Cross Medi-Cal, and we can help you find one. Find a doula who accepts your insurance.

Sources: Anthem Blue Cross: Medi-Cal Doula Program Provider Guide (February 2026); DHCS: Medi-Cal Managed Care Plan Contact List for Members (July 2025); DHCS: Doula Services for Medi-Cal Members; National Health Law Program: California Doula Medi-Cal Benefit FAQ (2023). Coverage varies by plan, so confirm yours with your plan.