Does Insurance Cover a Midwife?
It depends on your insurer, your specific plan, and where you live. Some families have part or all of the cost reimbursed, some pay with HSA or FSA funds, and others pay out of pocket.
The midwives listed on Bornbir tell us which plans they accept. Pick your insurance below to see midwives near you who accept it, or answer a few questions and let matching midwives come to you.
Insurance plans accepted by midwives
43 plans with at least 2 midwives listed on Bornbir.
- Aetna Midwives 40 providers
- Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) Midwives 38 providers
- UnitedHealthcare Midwives 38 providers
- Cigna Midwives 33 providers
- Medicaid Midwives 25 providers
- Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield Midwives 22 providers
- Anthem Blue Cross Midwives 19 providers
- Tricare Midwives 13 providers
- Kaiser Permanente Midwives 11 providers
- Humana Midwives 9 providers
- Molina Healthcare Midwives 9 providers
- Multiplan PHCS Midwives 8 providers
- UnitedHealthcare Community Plan Midwives 8 providers
- Blue Choice Health Plan Midwives 6 providers
- Blue Cross Blue Shield Federal Employee Program Midwives 6 providers
- Health Net Midwives 5 providers
- Medicare Midwives 5 providers
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois Midwives 4 providers
- Blue Shield of California Midwives 4 providers
- Regence Blue Cross Blue Shield Midwives 4 providers
- UnitedHealthcare Oxford Midwives 4 providers
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana Midwives 3 providers
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee Midwives 3 providers
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas Midwives 3 providers
- CHAMPVA Midwives 3 providers
- Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield Midwives 3 providers
- Florida Blue: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida Midwives 3 providers
- GEHA Midwives 3 providers
- Meritain Health Midwives 3 providers
- Premera Blue Cross Midwives 3 providers
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia Midwives 2 providers
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas City Midwives 2 providers
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Midwives 2 providers
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Midwives 2 providers
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Western New York Midwives 2 providers
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wyoming Midwives 2 providers
- Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania Midwives 2 providers
- Blue Shield of Northeastern New York Midwives 2 providers
- Carrot Midwives 2 providers
- Empire BlueCross BlueShield HealthPlus Midwives 2 providers
- Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey Midwives 2 providers
- Triwest Healthcare Alliance Midwives 2 providers
- US Health Group Midwives 2 providers
How to check your own coverage
- Call the number on your insurance card. Ask member services whether midwife services are covered under your plan, and what paperwork they need.
- Ask the midwife how they bill. Some bill your plan directly, and others give you an itemized receipt to submit for reimbursement.
- Ask about the alternatives if your plan says no. HSA and FSA funds, sliding scale rates, and payment plans are all worth asking about.
FAQs
What is a midwife?
A midwife is a licensed medical professional who cares for low-risk pregnancies and mothers who want no-to-low intervention deliveries (e.g., home birth, birthing center delivery, water birth).
Can you pay for a midwife with HSA or FSA funds?
Yes, you can use Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) funds to pay for midwifery services, as long as those services are related to medical care. Always check the specific rules of your HSA or FSA plan, as there can be variations in what expenses are considered eligible between different plans.
Are midwives covered by insurance?
Whether midwife services are covered by insurance depends on the insurance policy, the type of midwife, and where the birth is planned to take place (e.g., at home, in a birthing center, or in a hospital). In the United States, many insurance plans do cover midwifery services, especially when those services are provided by a certified nurse-midwife (CNM) who is licensed in the state where they practice. CNMs are trained in both nursing and midwifery and are often affiliated with hospitals and medical centers, making their services more likely to be covered by insurance.
What's the difference between a midwife and a doula?
A midwife is a trained health professional who helps women during labor, delivery, and after the birth of their babies. Midwives can provide gynecological examinations, prenatal care, and postpartum support. They are qualified to deliver babies and are trained to handle certain complications during childbirth. A doula, on the other hand, is a non-medical professional who provides emotional, physical, and educational support to a mother who is expecting, is experiencing labor, or has recently given birth. The doula's role is to help women have a safe, memorable, and empowering birthing experience. They are known for their continuous support, beginning during pregnancy and lasting through the postpartum period. While midwives have a broad scope of practice that is clinical in nature, doulas specialize in the non-clinical aspects of care. They might be preferred by mothers who are looking for continuous bedside support that is not typically provided by the medical staff. Doulas are known for their advocacy for the mother's wishes during childbirth, which can be especially valuable in hospital settings where the mother may desire a birth plan that deviates from standard procedures.
What's the difference between a midwife and an OBGYN?
A midwife is a healthcare professional who specializes in low-risk pregnancies, childbirth, and postpartum care. They typically emphasize a natural and holistic approach, focusing on minimal medical interventions. Midwives often work in birth centers, at home births, or in hospitals, depending on their certification and location. They provide personalized care and support throughout pregnancy and labor and may also assist with breastfeeding and newborn care. An OBGYN is a medical doctor who has completed extensive training, including medical school and a residency, specializing in obstetrics and gynecology. They care for all types of pregnancies, including high-risk cases, and are trained to handle medical complications, perform surgeries (like C-sections), and provide comprehensive reproductive healthcare beyond pregnancy. OBGYNs typically work in hospitals or clinics and can manage a broader range of medical situations.
Can I see a midwife for an IVF pregnancy?
Yes, you can see a midwife for an IVF pregnancy. Midwives are trained to provide care during pregnancy, including for those conceived through IVF, as long as the pregnancy is low-risk. They can help with prenatal care, labor, and delivery, and provide postpartum support. However, if your IVF pregnancy is considered high-risk or involves complications, you may need to work with an obstetrician in collaboration with the midwife to ensure proper care. Always consult with your healthcare provider to determine the best care plan for your situation.
How much does it cost to use Bornbir?
Bornbir is entirely free for new and expecting parents to use. To begin, simply tell our community of midwives what you need in your job posting and let the right providers come to you. You can then engage in direct conversations with top-rated midwives to learn more and make informed decisions. Our goal is to facilitate a seamless and accessible experience for you as you embark on this transformative journey. Get started.
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