Exploring Birth Options for Military Spouses with Tricare Prime in NOVA
As a military spouse and birth photographer at Fort Belvoir, I understand the unique challenges and opportunities that come with giving birth while covered by Tricare Prime. Having both hospital and home births myself has enabled me to have a very good understanding of how Tricare works. I love how many women in the military community seek alternatives to hospital births and want to explore birthing centers, nurse midwives, and doulas that are knowledgeable about navigating the Tricare system.
The most important factor for Tricare Prime to cover a birth is that there is a referral in the system and that it is with a CNM (Certified Nurse Midwife). Tricare will not cover a birth if it is with a traditional midwife or a CPM (Certified Practicing Midwife). In this blog post, I'll guide you through the various birth options available in NOVA for Tricare Prime beneficiaries, ensuring a personalized and supported birth experience.
Midwives
Located at 1501 King St, Alexandria, VA 22314
You will go to the birthing center for all appointments and decide whether you want a home birth or birthing center birth. The midwife that attends the birth just depends on who is working that day so you do not get to pick.
2 CNMS are covered by Tricare Prime with a referral - you need to ask your OB for a referral in order to have Tricare process and cover all appointment costs
Regardless of prime or select, you are required to pay an administrative fee of $350 and a birth assistant fee. The birth assistant fee, whether you deliver at the birthing center or at home, is required and ranges between $800-$1000
Located at 3545 Chain Bridge Rd #206, Fairfax, VA 22030
You will go to the Fairfax location for appointments and then birth at home
There are 2 midwives, Alanna and Story, covered by Tricare prime, and depending on where you live is who will be in attendance at your birth. Usually Story is within 10 miles and Alanna covers further out including Fort Belvoir.
Tricare will usually pay half, so a payment upfront of the other half is due by 36 weeks, which is typically around $2800
Located at 6225 Brandon Ave #175, Springfield, VA 22150
Casey Morrow is the midwife who runs this practice
She attends the births along with the birthing assistant. A fee is due upfront to cover costs that aren’t paid by Tricare as well as a birth assistant fee
**Please note that Premier Birth Center no longer accepts Tricare and is 100% out of pocket around $5,000-$6,000 but they do offer payment plans.
Doulas
Amanda Hoyle with Anchor and Calm Doula Services
Birth Doula that accepts Tricare out of network, which usually gets half of the fee covered
Incredibly passionate about birth and what a Mom needs during labor. Tricare doesn’t make it easy to reimburse the entire cost of a doula but Amanda is well worth it with her training and expertise
Birth Doula that accepts Tricare in-network for home birth and birthing center only
Only takes on 2-3 births a month
Requires payment up front and then you will get reimbursed after Tricare processes the claim
Rissa Joos with Birch Moon Birth
Tricare certified birth and postpartum doula, everything is billed directly to Tricare
Helps educate and work through a detailed birth plan ahead of time
Worked as an Air Force medic for several years in labor and delivery so she fully understands military life
Usually takes 2-3 moms a month
Ashley LaMothe with Sweet Beginnings Birth
Not in-network with Tricare but as a military spouse herself she understands the system and the costs so she works out a payment plan and is very understanding
She provides support that typically looks like: childbirth education, creating a birth roadmap together, education on optimal fetal positioning, and continuous support during labor to include pain coping techniques, emotional support, and additional physical support as needed by you
Other Important Resources Available with Tricare
A full service lactation practice which specializes in a wide variety of breastfeeding and pumping challenges with a special emphasis on Tongue and Lip Ties (tethered oral tissues).
They help you achieve your breastfeeding goals with personalized attention and support.
Located in Vienna VA and they accept Tricare
Centreville OBGYN for in-hospital CNM Care
If you’re looking for in-hospital care that isn’t at Fort Belvoir, this is a great option as you deliver at Fair Oaks hospital
They have many different midwives to chose from and are with Previa hospital systems, they also accept Tricare
The office visit locations are in Reston and Centreville, but delivery is only at Fair Oaks
Military Birth Resource Network has compiled a list of professionals. Although some are no longer serving directly with Tricare it is a good resource to look at - https://www.militarybirthresourcenetwork.org/virginia-professionals
