Created by Sabia Wade, doula trainer, herbalist, and investor. Understand what your income goal actually requires in Medicaid clients, private pay clients, or a mix of both.
Your Income Goal
Enter your annual take-home income goal. The calculator will show you what you need to earn before taxes to reach it.
$
Self-employed doulas typically pay 25 to 30% including self-employment tax. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.
Medicaid Reimbursement Rates
California Medi-Cal rates are pre-filled. Update these to match your state's current reimbursement schedule. Your state's rates may differ significantly.
$
$
$
$
$
$
Include physician-approved extended postpartum visits
In some states, Medicaid allows additional postpartum visits beyond the standard package with a second physician approval. This section may not apply in your state. Check your state's reimbursement guidelines before including this in your calculation.
Extended postpartum visit approval criteria vary by state and are not always clearly defined. In California, up to 9 additional visits can be approved. Your state may allow more, fewer, or none at all. This number is an estimate based on the percentage of clients you expect to receive approval. Consult your state's Medicaid doula reimbursement documentation for the most current information.
Your Private Pay Packages
Add the packages or services you offer privately. Include the package name, your rate, and how many clients per year take that package.
Package Name
Rate ($)
Clients/yr
$
$
Your Practice Picture
Gross Income Needed
Before taxes, to reach your take-home goal
Medicaid Rate Per Client
Medicaid Clients Needed
With Physician Extended Visits
Private Pay Clients Needed
What does a mixed practice look like?
Medicaid %
50%
These numbers do not account for unpaid on-call time starting at 37 weeks, administrative hours for billing and claims, claim denials, or the months of waiting for reimbursement that many doulas currently experience. This calculator shows the floor, not the ceiling, of what sustainable practice requires.