TRICARE Childbirth and Breastfeeding Support Demonstration

The TRICARE Childbirth and Breastfeeding Support Demonstration support services from the following providers:

  • Certified non-medical labor doulas
  • Certified lactation consultants
  • Certified lactation counselors

Note: Beginning Jan. 1, 2025, labor doulas will have updated certification and participation requirements.

The CBSD is available to you only if you have TRICARE Prime, TRICARE Prime Remote, or TRICARE Select.

Do you have TRICARE For Life, US Family Health Plan, or the Continued Health Care Benefit Program? The CBSD isn’t available with these plans.

The CBSD runs from Jan. 1, 2022, to Dec. 31, 2026. It will expand overseas on Jan. 1, 2025.

Are You in the United States?

  • You don’t need any referrals.
    • Do you have TRICARE Prime? You’ll need a referral from your primary care manager if you see a non-network provider. Point-of-service charges may apply without the referral.

Are You Overseas?

  • You can start getting services under the CBSD on Jan. 1, 2025. Note: TRICARE won’t cover any services received overseas before this date.
  • You must register for the CBSD before you get any services. You can sign up starting Oct. 3, 2024. To register, contact International SOS.
  • You should register as early as possible in your pregnancy. After you register, International SOS will let you know within 14 days if they can find a TRICARE-authorized providerAn authorized provider is any individual, institution/organization, or supplier that is licensed by a state, accredited by national organization, or meets other standards of the medical community, and is certified to provide benefits under TRICARE. There are two types of TRICARE-authorized providers: Network and Non-Network. DS.

TRICARE sends a quarterly “Invitation to Participate in the Defense Health Agency Maternity Survey.” The purpose of the survey is to learn about your experience giving birth in the Military Health System. The survey is confidential and voluntary. You may get the survey even if you aren’t eligible for the CBSD or choose not to participate in it.

Childbirth Support and Certified Labor Doulas

How do I qualify for doula services?

To qualify, you must:

  • Have TRICARE Prime, TRICARE Prime Remote, or TRICARE Select.
  • Be at least 20 weeks pregnant.
  • Plan to give birth outside a military hospital or clinic.
  • See a TRICARE-authorized provider for your birth event.

What types of doula services are covered?

Through Dec. 31, 2024, TRICARE covers up to six visits by a certified labor doulaLabor doulas are trained, non-medical professionals who provide support for the birthing parent before, during, and a short time after labor.. These visits can happen before or after you give birth. You’ll also get one visit during birth.

Note: Beginning Jan. 1, 2025, TRICARE will cover up to six hours of visits by a certified labor doula. These hours can be split into 15-minute increments any way you’d like. You’ll also still get one untimed visit during birth.

Lactation Counselors/Consultants and Breastfeeding Support

How do I qualify for lactation/breastfeeding support services?

To qualify, you must:

  • Have TRICARE Prime, TRICARE Prime Remote, or TRICARE Select.
  • Be at least 27 weeks pregnant.
  • Qualify for TRICARE’s breastfeeding support benefit.

Don’t qualify for breastfeeding support services under the demonstration? You may qualify under TRICARE’s existing breastfeeding support benefit.

What lactation and breastfeeding support services are covered?

TRICARE covers the following services. It’s at no additional cost if in the network.

  • Lactation counselors
    • Non-medical professionals who have certification to provide breastfeeding counseling to support normal lactation and breastfeeding parents
    • Non-network lactation counselors with certain qualifications
    • Can provide either individual or group breastfeeding support services under the demo
  • Lactation consultants
    • Medical professionals complete the highest level of breastfeeding training. They provide a full range of breastfeeding care. This includes support for breastfeeding complications.
    • Non-network lactation consultants must meet certain qualifications.
    • Can provide either individual or group breastfeeding support services under the demo
  • Group breastfeeding counseling
    • Group breastfeeding must be run by a:
      • Lactation consultant
      • Lactation counselor
      • TRICARE-authorized provider
    • Group breastfeeding counseling also includes prenatal breastfeeding education.
    • TRICARE may cover individual breastfeeding counseling by other TRICARE providers. This is under TRICARE’s breastfeeding benefit.

How do I enroll in the CBSD?

Are You in the U.S.?

  • If eligible, you’re automatically enrolled when you submit claims covered under the CBSD. Check with your regional contractor to see if you qualify.

Are You Overseas?

  • You must register for the CBSD before you get any services. You can sign up starting Oct. 3, 2024. To register, contact International SOS.

How does a provider join the TRICARE network?

Want to learn more on how a provider can join the TRICARE network? Choose your region below.

You can also learn more about rates for Childbirth Support Doula Services.

 

Last Updated 10/17/2024