Expectant mothers who are Tricare beneficiaries have a variety of choices for health care before, during, and after childbirth. Here are some common costs of maternity services.
Tricare covers:
- Prenatal care (prior to birth)
- Delivery
- Post-partum care (generally for six weeks after delivery)
- Any complications that may arise for mother or child.
Prenatal Care
Prenatal care is the medical care received from the time a pregnancy is confirmed to the baby's delivery.
Regular doctor visits are important to make ensure mother and baby are healthy.
All medically-necessary prenatal care such as ultrasounds, fetal stress tests, amniocentesis and electronic fetal monitoring are covered. However, there are some limitations; for example an ultrasound done just to determine the baby's sex is not covered.
Any questions will normally be answered by your medical provider or your Tricare regional contractor.
Delivery
Tricare will cover all medically-necessary services during labor and delivery including anesthesia and fetal monitoring.
Tricare will also cover a cesarean section when medically necessary. Those who choose cesarean delivery for personal reasons may be responsible for some of the costs, again check with your medical provider or Tricare regional contractor.
Usually, your Tricare plan will determine the type of birthing facility you will use (military or civilian, etc.). You may have different options for the type of provider who delivers your baby (obstetrician, family practice provider, doula, certified nurse, midwife, etc.).
Usually, a mother will remain in the hospital for a minimum of 48 hours after a vaginal delivery and 96 hours after a cesarean section. Complications may require a longer stay.
Post-partum Care
Post-partum care is the care provided to mother and child after birth.
Tricare covers a minimum of two post-partum visits. More are covered if necessary.
Here are the details on maternity costs under various Tricare plans:
| Service and Costs | Active Duty Sponsor | Retiree or Retiree Sponsor |
|---|---|---|
| Hospital Delivery | $0 | $158 admission fee |
| Birthing Center Delivery | $0 | $68 |
| Home Delivery | $0 | $21 |
| Newborn Care | $0 | $0 |
| Service and Costs | Active Duty Sponsor | Retiree or Retiree Sponsor |
|---|---|---|
| Hospital Delivery |
Network: $20.15/day ($25 minimum) Non-network: $20.15/day ($25 minimum) |
Network: $250/day Non-network: $1,034/day |
| Birthing Center Delivery |
Network: $25 Non-network: $25 |
Network: 20% Non-network: 25% |
| Home Delivery |
Network: $22 Non-network: 20% |
Network: $30 Non-network: 25% |
| Newborn Care | $0 | $0 |
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