Requiring doula services be covered and reimbursed by Medicaid and PEIA

SB 40 requires West Virginia's Medicaid program and the Public Employees Insurance Act (PEIA) to cover and reimburse doula services for childbirth support. This directly affects low-income residents enrolled in Medicaid and state employees covered under PEIA, as well as licensed doula providers who will now receive payment for their services. The bill mandates that maternity benefit plans under these programs must include doula coverage, with reimbursement rates determined by the complexity and depth of care provided. This policy change adds doulas to the list of covered maternity services, aligning with existing coverage for inpatient care and postpartum support.