Get paid to be a doula in Missouri
MO HealthNet has reimbursed doulas for their care of Medicaid clients since October 2024. MO HealthNet pays up to $1,275 per client. To bill it, you need training from a state-approved organization. DTI is one of the choices.
$800
Flat rate paid per labor & birth: first 24 hours$1,275
Maximum billable per client, including an additional 23 hrs. 45 min. of labor support38%
Share of all Missouri births covered by MO HealthNetTwo ways in, depending on what you've already done.
HealthNet credentials doulas who've trained with an organization on its approved list. But if you trained elsewhere, you don't have to start over.
Online Birth Doula Training
Self-paced modules plus live classes virtually with a DTI educator. Most people finish the coursework in about 3 months.
- Trained DTI doulas are eligible to certify as a birth doula
- Once complete, certified for life: no recertification required
Cross Certification Pathway
For doulas whose training organization isn't on MO HealthNet's approved list, or whose certification lapsed. Provide proof of your prior training and certify with DTI instead of repeating a full program.
- Two key DTI course modules, plus your existing proof-of-training
- Same lifetime certification, same approved-org status
- Built for doulas already attending births
Four steps to complete before you can begin billing.
Complete the sequence in order. Most of the confusion about this process happens when doulas try to enroll as a provider before they have completed the state requirements.
Meet basic requirements
Qualified providers must be at least 18 years old and hold liability insurance, either individually or through an organization.
Complete training & submit certification requirements to DTIor meet alternative
If planning to bill for birth doula services, you will need to meet the minimum requirements for DTI's birth doula certification. Requirements are listed here. If your training is from another source, you must be listed on the public roster of the Missouri Community Doula Council or the Missouri Doula Association.
Ensure client has the required letter of recommendation
All MO HealthNet enrolled pregnant women are eligible for doula services when recommended by a physician or other licensed practitioner of the healing arts. Learn More
Follow the MO HealthNet enrollment process
Providers must enroll with The Missouri Medicaid Audit and Compliance (MMAC) to be reimbursed for medical services provided to MO HealthNet participants. Learn More
The Billing Process
One billing code covers up to 24 hours of labor support. The second code covers up to 23 hours and 45 minutes of additional labor support.
MO Healthnet doula benefit
per member pregnancy| Code | Service | Rate | Covered maximum |
|---|---|---|---|
| T1032 | Services performed by a doula birth worker, per 15 minutes | $5 / unit | 95 units · $475 |
| T1033 | Services performed by a doula birth worker, per diem | $800 / unit | 24 hours · $800 |
| Total billable per client | $1,275 | ||
Rates and unit maximums as published by the MO HealthNet. Always bill your usual and customary charge, not just the MO HealthNet rate. This ensures you are protected and can receive additional payment if rates increase retroactively.
A place of service code is also required. Click here for more details.
The DTI birth doula program is $697. One birth doula client can be reimbursed at $800 for up to 24 hours of labor support. If you support three clients at their birth in one year, your take-home pay will be at least $2,400.
Credentialing states want to make sure the doulas they are reimbursing are properly trained. This is the major reason entities like MO HealthNet have created an approved training program list.
What MO HealthNet does not guarantee
- Training & certification alone does not let you bill. You are not paid by Medicaid until you finish enrollment as an MO HealthNet provider, which is a separate process run by the state.
- Nobody assigns you clients. Medicaid coverage means the families you find can pay you. Finding them is still your work, and DTI's business curriculum and community are built for that.
- The three-birth requirement of DTI's certification takes time. Most people are looking at several months between finishing coursework and submitting an attestation.
- Rates change. The figures on this page come from the state's published materials and should be verified against the current fee schedule.
There are two ways to qualify
Missouri credentials doulas without an approved training using an alternate community-based process.
- Complete DTI coursework & reading checklist
- Resource referral list
- Observe a childbirth education class
- Complete Infant & Child CPR
- Support 3 clients as a labor doula
- Business strategy outline
- Two brief essays: one describing the role of the doula and another sharing how you wish to make an impact in your community as a doula.
- Be listed on the public roster of the Missouri Community Doula Council or the Missouri Doula Association
- MMAC will verify your registration when they process your enrollment application