Does Santa Clara Family Health Plan Cover a Doula?

Yes. Santa Clara Family Health Plan (SCFHP) covers doula care for its Medi-Cal members. If you're pregnant or were pregnant in the past year, you can use it, and you don't need prior authorization from a doctor.

What does an SCFHP doula cost?

SCFHP says doula services are at no cost for eligible Medi-Cal members. Some plans can have copays, so if you have questions, your doula or Orka can help you figure it out.

What's included

The Medi-Cal doula benefit includes:

• An initial visit
• Eight prenatal or postpartum visits, virtual or in person
• Birth support, 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

SCFHP says your initial visit can last 90 minutes, which gives you time to get to know each other. You can use your visits during pregnancy and for up to one year after it ends.

Do I need a doctor's recommendation?

No. The state's standing recommendation covers the visits above, so you don't need a written one. For the nine additional postpartum visits, your doula can get a recommendation signed for you.

Does my doula have to work with SCFHP?

Yes, so look for a doula who's listed with SCFHP. SCFHP members are also assigned to a provider network, so ask your doula or Orka to confirm yours before you book.

How to find an SCFHP doula

1. Use Find a Doctor. On SCFHP's website, choose Medi-Cal as your plan and Doula as the specialty. The provider directory on the Medi-Cal forms page lists doulas too.
2. Or call Customer Service. You can request a doula at 1-800-260-2055 (TTY 711), Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
3. Talk to a few doulas. Ask about their experience and how they like to work. Check that they're available around your due date and work near your home and hospital.

What a doula can help with

A doula gives you non-medical support before, during and after birth. That might be help with a birth plan, learning what to expect, comfort during labor or feeding support once your baby arrives. Doulas also support people through a miscarriage, stillbirth or abortion. They work alongside your doctor or midwife and don't give medical advice.

What isn't covered as doula care

Medi-Cal doesn't cover some services as doula care, including:

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

Check your plan name

Santa Clara County has more than one Medi-Cal plan, so take a look at the name on your member card. Not sure which plan you have? Call the number on your card.

Looking for a doula in Santa Clara County? Orka Health is a doula provider group in network with Santa Clara Family Health Plan. Find a doula who accepts your insurance.

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