LD 1523 Maine House · 132nd Legislature (2025-2026)

An Act To Improve Perinatal Care Through Expanded Access To Doula Services

This bill requires MaineCare (Maine's Medicaid program) to reimburse providers for doula services starting January 1, 2026. It directly affects pregnant and postpartum individuals enrolled in MaineCare, as well as doulas providing care. Key provisions include covering up to 4 prenatal visits, 4 postpartum visits, and attendance during childbirth, while establishing a diverse advisory committee to guide program implementation on workforce development, training, and outreach. The committee will advise the Department of Health and Human Services on eligibility, reimbursement rates, and expanding access to doulas statewide.
Bill status signed all 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Apr 2025
Committee Review
Jun 2025
House Passage
Jun 2025
Senate Passage
Jun 2025
Signed into Law
Jun 2025
Introduced Apr 8, 2025 Signed Jun 19, 2025
Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate by voice vote (no roll call recorded).
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
20
Key actions
5
Committee
5
Jun 5, 2025
Upper · Passed
FINALLY PASSED, in concurrence.
upper
Jun 4, 2025
Lower · Passed
FINALLY PASSED.
lower
Jun 3, 2025
Legislature · Passed
Reported Out - OTP-AM
legislature
Jun 3, 2025
Upper · Passed
Committee Amendment "A" (H-443) READ and ADOPTED, in concurrence.
upper
Apr 8, 2025
Committee
The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES in concurrence
upper
Apr 8, 2025
Committee
The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES.
lower
Apr 8, 2025
Lower · Passed
Committee on Health and Human Services suggested and ordered printed.
lower
1 primary · 6 co-sponsors

Sponsors