Frequently Asked Questions.
This FAQ serves to provide high level, publicly accessible information regarding health-insurance reimbursement processes and amounts for doula support, in addition to the ways that our collective does and does not support community-based doulas.
What is the RI Birthworker Cooperative?
A billing service sustained by a member-owned cooperative of community doulas. The RIBWC was founded in response to the 2022 RI Doula Reimbursement Act to ensure doulas can take care of themselves and their clients, with a streamlined billing process, without being associated with any hospital or medical provider.
Do I need to be part of the RIBWC to take insurance as a doula?
You do not need to be a member of RIBWC in order to take insurance as a doula.
What membership services are offered?
We offer two membership tiers; our standard membership ($100/annually) allows a doula to become a member-owner and receive support navigating the insurance contracting process, from Medicaid to Commercial Payer contracts via peer support and weekly office hours. Our billing membership ($60/monthly) gives a doula that has established “in-network provider” status access to
our EMR platform
twice-weekly billing
claims troubleshooting assistance
listing on our “Insurance Providers” page
monthly update meetings
in addition to the perks of standard membership!
Why are members required to be Medicaid Providers?
The RICB Doula Ethical Code states that doulas shall not discriminate on the basis of identity. As an organization that requires our doulas to certify and uphold these ethical standards, we believe in prioritizing families who are insured via Medicaid and equitable access to care.
How long does it take to get in network with insurance?
Each RI-based payer has a different application to become an in-network provider which all take a varying amount of time to complete. Providers typically receive a response to their application inquiry within 30 days and an established contract within 3 months of a completed application.
What is the reimbursement rate for doula services?
The Medicaid (minimum) reimbursement rates for doula support are the following:
$100/visit
$900/end of pregnancy event (birth - abortion - loss**)
The doula benefit generally covers 3 prenatal visits, 3 postpartum visits, and birth/abortion support. Commercial plan rates vary due to benefit fluctuations and plan-specific deductibles. For specific rates, it is best practice to inquire with each plan directly.
How are RIBWC claims submitted?
Via our EMR, the doula logs a client’s insurance information and demographics, in addition to completed visits or end of pregnancy events. Claims attached to provider-client interactions are electronically submitted to the insurance company by our billing administrator. The payment then goes directly to the doula’s bank account or a check is mailed within 30 days.
Does the RIBWC send me a W2 or impact my taxes?
No, as a member-owner, you will not be an employee of the cooperative, nor do you have to pay taxes on the co-ops behalf. As an in-network provider, you will receive W2’s from each payer you are contracted with directly and are encouraged to keep a log of all business transactions for your own records.
Do you provide clients?
Though we may receive external referrals from community providers or share referrals internally, the RIBWC is not a doula agency, and we do not promise clients to our member-owners. Our main focus as an organization is providing billing support for doulas and their families.
Is doula support for home birth covered?
Medicaid and most health insurance payers do cover homebirth doula support. Neighborhood Health of RI Commercial plans do not cover homebirth.
Is doula support for abortion covered?
Medicaid and most health insurance payers do cover abortion doula support, with some exceptions. For abortion support, please reach out to Rhode Island Abortion Doulas.
For more information, please contact: