Oregon expands maternal care: From coverage to access

In 2026, Oregon is expanding access to maternal healthcare by requiring insurance coverage for perinatal support services and investing in a broader system to deliver them.

A new law, Senate Bill 692, requires most health plans to cover services provided by doulas, lactation counselors, and lactation educators—including at least 24 hours of care beyond labor and delivery. The law also removes common barriers to access, such as referral or prior authorization requirements, making it easier for patients to use these services.

At the same time, the Oregon Health Authority is required to create a statewide program to expand access to these services. This includes funding training, supporting community-based providers, and increasing availability—particularly for culturally specific care.

Together, these changes shift Oregon’s focus from protecting access to care to strengthening how care is delivered—and who can access it.

Why it Matters

This new law recognizes that care doesn’t end at childbirth. Postpartum support can play a critical role in recovery, mental health, and overall well-being during the first year after birth—a period when many women receive limited follow-up care.

• More support is now built into standard care
  By requiring insurers to cover services beyond labor and delivery, the law expands what patients can expect as part of routine maternal care.
• Access depends on both coverage and availability
  Beyond insurance, Oregon is investing in the workforce needed to deliver these services, helping ensure care is actually available when and where it’s needed.
• The focus is shifting toward outcomes
  By expanding continuous, community-based support, the state is aiming to improve maternal health outcomes.

Background

Senate Bill 692, which took effect in January 2026, expands both coverage and access to perinatal services in Oregon. It requires health plans to cover services provided by doulas, lactation counselors, and lactation educators, with a minimum level of care and fewer administrative barriers for patients.

The law also directs the Oregon Health Authority to establish a perinatal services access program. This program provides funding to train providers, support community-based organizations, and expand culturally competent care across the state.

These changes respond to broader gaps in maternal healthcare in the United States, where many patients receive limited support after childbirth and face barriers to accessing non-medical but essential services. Recent reporting highlights that cost, lack of awareness, and limited integration into the healthcare system have historically kept services like doula care out of reach for many families.

Resources

NFP - Oregon Mandates on Doula and Lactation Services
Street Roots - New Oregon laws expand doula access for expectant parents