August 9, 2023
Expanding Access: Now In-Network with Medi-Cal

We are thrilled to announce a significant milestone for hatch health and the communities we serve. As part of our unwavering commitment to improving maternal health outcomes and enhancing the care experience for all, we are now in-network with Medi-Cal, California’s Medicaid program. This development represents a significant step forward in our commitment to serving diverse communities, breaking down barriers, and ensuring that every expectant parent receives the comprehensive and personalized care they deserve.

Our Mission at hatch health

At hatch health, our mission is to revolutionize maternal health care by providing comprehensive, whole-person support to individuals on their journey to parenthood. We believe that every individual deserves the highest standard of care throughout the maternal healthcare continuum, regardless of their socioeconomic status. Being in-network with Medi-Cal allows us to extend our services to more families, especially those who might have faced barriers to accessing quality maternal care before.

The Significance of Being a Medi-Cal Provider

Medicaid programs play a vital role as the primary insurer for births in the United States, covering almost half of all deliveries. Specifically, in California, Medi-Cal shoulders the responsibility for over 50 percent of all births, which equates to approximately five percent of total U.S. births. Notably, California has demonstrated a proactive commitment to enhancing care for expectant individuals by investing in whole-person care and expanding access to reproductive health services through new budget initiatives and its Medicaid transformation program. As part of this initiative, California took a significant step forward in January 2023 by including doula services in its coverage for Medicaid beneficiaries. This milestone marks a pivotal advancement in ensuring that all birthing people, regardless of socioeconomic status, have access to the support they need throughout their maternal healthcare journey. 

At hatch health, we are proud to align our mission with California's commitment to comprehensive care and are excited to be part of this transformative movement in maternal healthcare. By being in-network with Medi-Cal, hatch health can now offer our comprehensive and personalized virtual doula services to a substantial number of expectant parents who may not have had access to such specialized care before. Together, we can work towards reducing disparities, improving maternal health outcomes, and making a meaningful difference in the lives of countless individuals as they embark on this transformative chapter of parenthood.

The Benefits of hatch health's Virtual Doula Services for Medi-Cal Beneficiaries

Our fully virtual doula services offer unique advantages for Medi-Cal beneficiaries and individuals seeking personalized and evidence-based care. Here's why hatch health's virtual doula support might be the ideal choice for someone covered by Medi-Cal:

1. Accessible and Convenient: Virtual doula support eliminates the need for in-person visits, allowing beneficiaries to receive guidance and care from the comfort of their homes. This increased accessibility is especially beneficial for those living in remote areas, facing transportation challenges, or scheduling conflicts.

2. Personalized Care: Our doulas work closely with each individual, taking the time to understand their specific needs and preferences. By providing personalized support, we empower beneficiaries to make informed decisions and navigate their maternal journey with confidence.

3. Continuous Support: The postpartum period can be emotionally challenging, and our virtual doula support offers ongoing assistance beyond the traditional postpartum visit. Having a dedicated virtual doula provides much-needed continuity of care and reassurance during this transformative time.

4. Evidence-Based Education: We prioritize evidence-based education, equipping beneficiaries with the knowledge and tools to optimize their maternal health. Through weekly updates with gestational age-appropriate information, checklists, and guides, we help improve health literacy and foster informed decision-making.

5. Addressing Health Disparities: hatch health’s virtual doulas are trained and committed to bridging the gap for marginalized communities, including communities disproportionately affected by health disparities. By providing high-quality care through our virtual program, we aim to make a positive impact on maternal health outcomes for all beneficiaries.

What Does Medi-Cal Cover and How Can You Get Started?

Under Medi-Cal guidelines, doula services require a written recommendation by a physician or other licensed practitioner. Once you obtain a standard recommendation form signed by a licensed provider, you will forward it to the hatch health team. The hatch health team will confirm your Medi-Cal eligibility within 48 hours of receiving your recommendation. Once a recommendation is received, the following services are authorized:

  • One initial visit (90 minutes)
  • Up to eight additional visits that can be provided in any combination of prenatal and postpartum visits
  • Support during labor and delivery (including labor and delivery resulting in a stillbirth), abortion, or miscarriage
  • Up to two extended three-hour postpartum visits after delivery

Are you a Medi-Cal beneficiary and would like to confirm your eligibility? Please fill out this form and a member of our team will get back to you within 2 business days.

Conclusion

Being in-network with Medi-Cal represents a significant commitment to our mission of transforming maternal care and making it accessible to every individual. At hatch health, we are dedicated to breaking down barriers and providing holistic, personalized support to those embarking on their journey to parenthood. Our virtual doula services offer the unique opportunity to empower Medi-Cal beneficiaries with evidence-based care and emotional support, enhancing their maternal care experience.

We are excited to continue our journey alongside Medi-Cal, working together to foster positive maternal health outcomes and create a brighter, healthier future for families across California. As we move forward, we remain steadfast in our mission to redefine maternal health care for the digital age and beyond. We are actively pursuing partnerships with Medi-Cal Managed Care Organizations and will announce when those partnerships are finalized. Stay tuned!