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Does TRICARE cover midwifery care and birth centers?
Verified by TRICARE.com Editorial Team
Updated 2024-12-01
AI-assisted (gemini, gpt-4o)
Quick Answer
TRICARE covers certified nurse-midwives and accredited birth centers for low-risk pregnancies. Same cost-shares as hospital delivery apply.
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Key Takeaways
- CNMs covered
- Licensed birth centers included
- Low-risk pregnancies only
- Same costs as hospital
Detailed Answer
TRICARE midwifery and birth center coverage:
Certified Nurse-Midwives
- Covered by TRICARE
- Must be certified (CNM)
- Prenatal through postpartum
- Normal pregnancies
Birth Centers
- Licensed facilities covered
- Accredited centers preferred
- Natural birth focused
- Must meet TRICARE standards
Coverage Details
- Same as hospital birth
- Prime: $0-$25 based on provider
- Select: 15-25% cost-share
- Includes prenatal care
Requirements
- Low-risk pregnancy
- No high-risk conditions
- Hospital backup plan
- Network or referred provider
What Is Included
- Prenatal visits
- Labor and delivery
- Postpartum care
- Newborn initial care
Not Usually Covered
- Home births (limited coverage)
- Lay midwives
- Non-accredited centers
Helpful Tips
- Verify provider is TRICARE authorized
- Confirm birth center accreditation
- Have hospital backup plan
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