The New York State Department of Health celebrates Mother’s Day and affirms its commitment to expanding initiatives and resources that promote the health and well-being of all New Yorkers.
“This Mother’s Day, we honor the love, strength and dedication of all who nurture and care for others in the role of motherhood—including mothers, maternal figures, and those who give birth or parent in ways that reflect the spirit of motherhood,” State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. “Across New York, these individuals are the backbone of families and communities – often putting the needs of others before their own. Let this day be a reminder of the importance of supporting maternal health in all its forms. That includes access to regular checkups, preventative care, mental health support, and environments that promote well-being and self-care for everyone who experiences pregnancy and parenting.”
Under the leadership of Governor Kathy Hochul, the Department has taken significant steps to improve outcomes for new moms and babies, with a focus on eliminating disparities. Recent initiatives include the nation’s first-in-the-nation paid prenatal leave policy, which took effect on January 1, 2025, and allows workers to take paid leave for any pregnancy-related medical appointments.
In 2024, the Department also expanded Medicaid coverage for doula services for pregnant, birthing and postpartum people. To support access to services, the Department created a directory of doulas enrolled to provide covered services to Medicaid members. The Doula Expansion Grant Program will allow the Department to award $250,000 to community-based organizations for the recruitment, training, certification, support and/or mentoring of community-based doulas.
Other recent efforts to support the health of new moms and babies include:
- Extended Medicaid coverage through the postpartum period to 12 months following the end of pregnancy to ensure continued access to care.
- Provided incentive payments to hospitals and community-based providers to improve maternal care and outcomes.
- Expanded Medicaid coverage for the maternal population to includes nutrition counseling services, community health workers services, and enhanced remote monitoring services.
- Supported access to doula services by maintaining a directory of doulas enrolled to provide covered services to Medicaid members. As of March 1, 2024, New York State Medicaid covers doula services for pregnant, birthing, and postpartum people.
- Issued a statewide standing order that all New Yorkers who are pregnant, birthing, or postpartum would benefit from receiving doula services. This order is another step in expanding access to doula care and fulfills a requirement for Medicaid to provide reimbursements for these services. The standing order will allow doulas to provide physical, emotional, educational and non-medical support for pregnant and postpartum individuals before, during and after childbirth or at the end of pregnancy through 12 months postpartum.
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