Provide for reimbursement of doula services by the Department of Health and Human Services

Nebraska's LB 701 mandates that the Department of Health and Human Services reimburse providers for doula services by state funds starting January 1, 2027. It directly affects Medicaid recipients seeking pregnancy and birth support, as doulas provide non-clinical emotional, physical, and informational care before, during, and after childbirth. The bill requires the department to establish a diverse work group (including doulas, communities of color, rural representatives, and birth advocates) by October 2026 to set reimbursement rates and define training/certification standards. This policy aims to improve birth outcomes - reducing cesarean rates, interventions, and complications - by integrating doula support into state Medicaid coverage.