Beginning January 1, 2025 Washington State Medicaid (Apple Health) approved birth doula support for all it’s members. See: Washington State Department of Health Birth Doulas Website

Here are the steps I have gathered thus far to participate in the program and bill for doula support via Apple Health.

I’m already a Traditional Healthcare Worker in the state of Oregon, so I was able to use my THW credential to become certified in Washington, too using their Out of State Endorsement process.

How to enroll as a provider (doula) with Apple Health

To become an Apple Health (Medicaid) birth doula, providers must:

1. Complete voluntary birth doula certification application with DOH
   • Mail completed application and other documents to:
     Birth Doula Credentialing
     P.O. Box 47877
     Olympia, WA 98504-7877
2. Obtain a National Provider Identifier number (NPI)
3. Enroll with ProviderOne (billing and claims system)
   • Once enrolled, use this ProviderOne login page

Once approved, you’ll receive a Birth Doula Certification credential with credential number in the mail. It expires after two years. Then you’re ready to accept Apple Health members as your doula clients!

If you are already a THW provider in Oregon

1. Complete voluntary birth doula certification application with DOH
   • On the application, select Out of State Endorsement
   • Complete the Credential verification form (linked within the application) enabling Washington to obtain your Oregon credential
   • Provider an attestation that you have successfully completed culturally congruent ancestral practices training and education
   • Provide documentation of your doula training certification on their approved list
     • If your doula training certification isn’t on their approved list, use the ancestral pathways competency by attesting you have completed training that is substantially equivalent and include 3 written letters of recommendation from industry professionals (a doula, midwife, or licensed provider). There is a provided template at the end of the application for the letters of recommendation.
   • When I applied in 2024 I also had to include 10 CEUs but this may not be required now (2025)
   • Mail completed application and other documents to:
     Birth Doula Credentialing
     P.O. Box 47877
     Olympia, WA 98504-7877
2. You should already have an NPI, if so, skip that step. Or click here to obtain an NPI.
3. Enroll with ProviderOne (billing and claims system) | Enrollment Instructions
   • Agency: HCA
   • HCA billing type: BL-Billing (you are a billing provider)
   • Enter all your personal details, proceed; save the Application #
   • Complete all the screens listed such as Locations, Specializations, Certifications, etc.
4. Once enrolled, use this ProviderOne login page

Once approved, you’ll receive a Birth Doula Certification credential with credential number in the mail. It expires after two years. Then you’re ready to accept Apple Health members as your doula clients!

Doula services updates – sign up!

HCA is working with partners to finalize birth doula rules. This process will not be complete by January 1, 2025. HCA plans to use the emergency rulemaking process outlined in the Administrative Procedure Act (Chapter 34.05 RCW).

Emergency rules are effective immediately upon filing with the Washington State Office of the Code Reviser and for 120 days from the filing date. The emergency rules will allow the doula benefit to go live on January 1, 2025 while HCA continues working with partners to complete the standard rulemaking process.

To stay connected to our doula work, subscribe to the doulas mailing list.

How to Bill for Doula Support

Coming Soon!