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March 26, 2024 - Lancaster, PA

Shapiro Administration Announces Expansion of Access to Doulas Through Change in Medicaid, Highlights Budget Investments to Improve Maternal Health

Department of Human Services (DHS) Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh and Department of Health (DOH) Acting Secretary Dr. Debra Bogen today visited Patients R Waiting to discuss the Shapiro Administration's recent work to address maternal health disparities through expanded Medicaid access to doulas. Secretary Arkoosh and Acting Secretary Boden also stressed the importance of doulas as part of care teams for historically underserved populations and to highlighted investments in Governor Josh Shapiro's 2024-25 Budget that address the national trend of rising pregnancy-associated deaths.

Pennsylvania's recent expansion in Medicaid creates a path for doulas to become certified providers, increasing women's access to doulas as part of their care teams and helping to improve birth outcomes in Pennsylvania.

"Pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum periods are exciting but often stressful times for a new parent and easing barriers to the incredible physical, emotional, and educational support that doulas provide can improve outcomes for both moms and babies," said Secretary Arkoosh. "By increasing access to doulas for Medicaid recipients giving birth, we recognize the important contribution doulas make in the continuum of prenatal, delivery, and postpartum care and are taking another significant step to improving health outcomes for mothers, babies, and communities more broadly."

Speakers Include:
Kaiyan Christian, Certified Doula
Dr. Val Arkoosh, Secretary of PA Department of Human Services
Dr. Debra Bogen, Acting Secretary of the PA Dept. of Health
Beth Quinn, Senior Director Women's Health Operations with UPMC
Dr. Sharee Livingston, Founding Board Member of Patients R Waiting
Ashlee Heyward, Certified Doula



DHS Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh, at a doula and maternal health event in Lancaster, PA...A recent update to Medicaid under the Shapiro Administration now allows certified doulas to enroll in Medicaid. This change enables Medicaid managed care organizations to enter into network agreements with doulas. Doula services have been found to ease the pregnancy and labor process and improve birth outcomes for both mother and child..<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/24535_dhs_maternalHealth_sc_01.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> DHS Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh, at a doula and maternal health event in Lancaster, PA...A recent update to Medicaid under the Shapiro Administration now allows certified doulas to enroll in Medicaid. This change enables Medicaid managed care organizations to enter into network agreements with doulas. Doula services have been found to ease the pregnancy and labor process and improve birth outcomes for both mother and child..<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/24535_dhs_maternalHealth_sc_02.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> DHS Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh, at a doula and maternal health event in Lancaster, PA...A recent update to Medicaid under the Shapiro Administration now allows certified doulas to enroll in Medicaid. This change enables Medicaid managed care organizations to enter into network agreements with doulas. Doula services have been found to ease the pregnancy and labor process and improve birth outcomes for both mother and child..<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/24535_dhs_maternalHealth_sc_03.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> DHS Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh, at a doula and maternal health event in Lancaster, PA...A recent update to Medicaid under the Shapiro Administration now allows certified doulas to enroll in Medicaid. This change enables Medicaid managed care organizations to enter into network agreements with doulas. Doula services have been found to ease the pregnancy and labor process and improve birth outcomes for both mother and child..<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/24535_dhs_maternalHealth_sc_04.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> DHS Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh, at a doula and maternal health event in Lancaster, PA...A recent update to Medicaid under the Shapiro Administration now allows certified doulas to enroll in Medicaid. This change enables Medicaid managed care organizations to enter into network agreements with doulas. Doula services have been found to ease the pregnancy and labor process and improve birth outcomes for both mother and child..<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/24535_dhs_maternalHealth_sc_05.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> DHS Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh, at a doula and maternal health event in Lancaster, PA...A recent update to Medicaid under the Shapiro Administration now allows certified doulas to enroll in Medicaid. This change enables Medicaid managed care organizations to enter into network agreements with doulas. Doula services have been found to ease the pregnancy and labor process and improve birth outcomes for both mother and child..<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/24535_dhs_maternalHealth_sc_06.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> DOH Acting Secretary Dr. Debra Bogen, speaks at a doula and maternal health event in Lancaster, PA...A recent update to Medicaid under the Shapiro Administration now allows certified doulas to enroll in Medicaid. This change enables Medicaid managed care organizations to enter into network agreements with doulas. Doula services have been found to ease the pregnancy and labor process and improve birth outcomes for both mother and child.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/24535_dhs_maternalHealth_sc_07.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> DOH Acting Secretary Dr. Debra Bogen, at a doula and maternal health event in Lancaster, PA...A recent update to Medicaid under the Shapiro Administration now allows certified doulas to enroll in Medicaid. This change enables Medicaid managed care organizations to enter into network agreements with doulas. Doula services have been found to ease the pregnancy and labor process and improve birth outcomes for both mother and child.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/24535_dhs_maternalHealth_sc_08.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> DOH Acting Secretary Dr. Debra Bogen, at a doula and maternal health event in Lancaster, PA...A recent update to Medicaid under the Shapiro Administration now allows certified doulas to enroll in Medicaid. This change enables Medicaid managed care organizations to enter into network agreements with doulas. Doula services have been found to ease the pregnancy and labor process and improve birth outcomes for both mother and child.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/24535_dhs_maternalHealth_sc_09.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> DOH Acting Secretary Dr. Debra Bogen, at a doula and maternal health event in Lancaster, PA...A recent update to Medicaid under the Shapiro Administration now allows certified doulas to enroll in Medicaid. This change enables Medicaid managed care organizations to enter into network agreements with doulas. Doula services have been found to ease the pregnancy and labor process and improve birth outcomes for both mother and child.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/24535_dhs_maternalHealth_sc_10.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> A recent update to Medicaid under the Shapiro Administration now allows certified doulas to enroll in Medicaid. This change enables Medicaid managed care organizations to enter into network agreements with doulas. Doula services have been found to ease the pregnancy and labor process and improve birth outcomes for both mother and child..<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/24535_dhs_maternalHealth_sc_11.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> A recent update to Medicaid under the Shapiro Administration now allows certified doulas to enroll in Medicaid. This change enables Medicaid managed care organizations to enter into network agreements with doulas. Doula services have been found to ease the pregnancy and labor process and improve birth outcomes for both mother and child..<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/24535_dhs_maternalHealth_sc_12.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> A recent update to Medicaid under the Shapiro Administration now allows certified doulas to enroll in Medicaid. This change enables Medicaid managed care organizations to enter into network agreements with doulas. Doula services have been found to ease the pregnancy and labor process and improve birth outcomes for both mother and child..<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/24535_dhs_maternalHealth_sc_13.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> DHS Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh, at a doula and maternal health event in Lancaster, PA...A recent update to Medicaid under the Shapiro Administration now allows certified doulas to enroll in Medicaid. This change enables Medicaid managed care organizations to enter into network agreements with doulas. Doula services have been found to ease the pregnancy and labor process and improve birth outcomes for both mother and child..<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/24535_dhs_maternalHealth_sc_14.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Founding Board Member of Patients R Waiting, Dr. Sharee Livingston, speaks at a doula and maternal health event in Lancaster, PA...A recent update to Medicaid under the Shapiro Administration now allows certified doulas to enroll in Medicaid. This change enables Medicaid managed care organizations to enter into network agreements with doulas. Doula services have been found to ease the pregnancy and labor process and improve birth outcomes for both mother and child.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/24535_dhs_maternalHealth_sc_15.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Beth Quinn - Senior Director Women's Health Operations with UPMC<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/24535_dhs_maternalHealth_sc_16.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> .Ashlee Heyward, Certified Doula, at a doula and maternal health event in Lancaster, PA...A recent update to Medicaid under the Shapiro Administration now allows certified doulas to enroll in Medicaid. This change enables Medicaid managed care organizations to enter into network agreements with doulas. Doula services have been found to ease the pregnancy and labor process and improve birth outcomes for both mother and child..<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/24535_dhs_maternalHealth_sc_17.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> .Ashlee Heyward, Certified Doula, at a doula and maternal health event in Lancaster, PA...A recent update to Medicaid under the Shapiro Administration now allows certified doulas to enroll in Medicaid. This change enables Medicaid managed care organizations to enter into network agreements with doulas. Doula services have been found to ease the pregnancy and labor process and improve birth outcomes for both mother and child..<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/24535_dhs_maternalHealth_sc_18.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Founding Board Member of Patients R Waiting, Dr. Sharee Livingston, speaks at a doula and maternal health event in Lancaster, PA...A recent update to Medicaid under the Shapiro Administration now allows certified doulas to enroll in Medicaid. This change enables Medicaid managed care organizations to enter into network agreements with doulas. Doula services have been found to ease the pregnancy and labor process and improve birth outcomes for both mother and child.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/24535_dhs_maternalHealth_sc_19.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Kaiyan Christian, Certified Doula, at a doula and maternal health event in Lancaster, PA...A recent update to Medicaid under the Shapiro Administration now allows certified doulas to enroll in Medicaid. This change enables Medicaid managed care organizations to enter into network agreements with doulas. Doula services have been found to ease the pregnancy and labor process and improve birth outcomes for both mother and child.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/24535_dhs_maternalHealth_sc_20.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Founding Board Member of Patients R Waiting, Dr. Sharee Livingston, at a doula and maternal health event in Lancaster, PA...A recent update to Medicaid under the Shapiro Administration now allows certified doulas to enroll in Medicaid. This change enables Medicaid managed care organizations to enter into network agreements with doulas. Doula services have been found to ease the pregnancy and labor process and improve birth outcomes for both mother and child.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/24535_dhs_maternalHealth_sc_21.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Founding Board Member of Patients R Waiting, Dr. Sharee Livingston, speaks at a doula and maternal health event in Lancaster, PA...A recent update to Medicaid under the Shapiro Administration now allows certified doulas to enroll in Medicaid. This change enables Medicaid managed care organizations to enter into network agreements with doulas. Doula services have been found to ease the pregnancy and labor process and improve birth outcomes for both mother and child.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/24535_dhs_maternalHealth_sc_22.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Ashlee Heyward, Certified Doula; Beth Quinn - Senior Director Women's Health Operations with UPMC; Dr. Debra Bogen, Acting Secretary of the PA Dept. of Health; Dr. Val Arkoosh, Secretary of PA Department of Human Services; Dr. Sharee Livingston, Founding Board Member of Patients R Waiting; Kaiyan Christian, Certified Doula..<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/24535_dhs_maternalHealth_sc_23.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> A recent update to Medicaid under the Shapiro Administration now allows certified doulas to enroll in Medicaid. This change enables Medicaid managed care organizations to enter into network agreements with doulas. Doula services have been found to ease the pregnancy and labor process and improve birth outcomes for both mother and child..<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/24535_dhs_maternalHealth_sc_25.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> A recent update to Medicaid under the Shapiro Administration now allows certified doulas to enroll in Medicaid. This change enables Medicaid managed care organizations to enter into network agreements with doulas. Doula services have been found to ease the pregnancy and labor process and improve birth outcomes for both mother and child..<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/24535_dhs_maternalHealth_sc_26.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> A recent update to Medicaid under the Shapiro Administration now allows certified doulas to enroll in Medicaid. This change enables Medicaid managed care organizations to enter into network agreements with doulas. Doula services have been found to ease the pregnancy and labor process and improve birth outcomes for both mother and child..<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/24535_dhs_maternalHealth_sc_27.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a>