CHICAGO — Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois is expanding access to maternal care to all members, covering doulas, licensed certified professional midwives, lactation consultants and maternal home visit providers through its health plans. This expanded coverage builds on BCBSIL’s efforts to improve outcomes for moms and babies statewide through its Special Beginnings® program.
According to the 2025 March of Dimes report, Illinois' maternal mortality rate of 20 deaths per 100,000 live births exceeds the national average. Additionally, 15.4% of women in Illinois do not receive adequate prenatal care, highlighting gaps in consistent, quality care access before and after birth. Maternal care support providers such as doulas play a critical role in addressing gaps. Research published in the American Journal of Public Health shows women who receive doula support are 47% less likely to have a cesarean delivery, 29% less likely to experience preterm birth and 46% more likely to attend a postpartum checkup.
Through its collaboration with maternal health partners, BCBSIL has trained more than 850 doulas across Illinois, helping increase the access to professionals who understand and reflect the communities they serve. BCBSIL also partners with organizations to provide education and guidance for members who may face barriers to in-person care, including those in rural or underserved areas.
“We are committed to supporting families across Illinois with care from the earliest stages of pregnancy through the postpartum journey,” said BCBSIL Chief Medical Officer Dr. Alvia Siddiqi. “Coverage for doulas, licensed certified professional midwives, lactation consultants and maternal home visit providers strengthens the network of care around moms, babies and families and reflects our long term commitment to maternal and infant health in Illinois.”
In 2024, BCBSIL expanded efforts to increase care and resource access from preconception through postpartum. The addition of coverage for these providers reflects BCBSIL’s focus on improving maternal and infant health outcomes statewide.
Members can visit bcbsil.com and click Find Care or call the number on their member identification card to find providers.
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About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois is the largest health insurer in Illinois, serving nine million members and operating in all 102 Illinois counties. BCBSIL is a division of Health Care Service Corporation, a Mutual Legal Reserve Company and an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.