POULSBO, Wash. — The U.S. military's Tricare insurance is no longer covering services at Poulsbo's True North Birth Center, effectively immediately in Kitsap County, where there is a critical shortage of birthing centers.
True North is a midwifery birthing center, an alternative to going to the hospital. The reason for the change is still unclear, but the agency now says it will only cover "certified nurse midwives." The staff at True North are "licensed midwives and certified professional midwives."
It's a technicality that True North owner Ashely Jones said is costing people coverage.
"We are licensed by the State Department of Health. This is the strictest state to become a licensed midwife in. Our education and clinical experience that are needed to become licensed is equivalent to certified nurse midwives," Jones argued.
The company has had a contract with Tricare since 2018 because of the large military population in the area, but the insurance will no longer cover any new patients.
Current patients such as Brittany Ruiz will still be covered. She is part of a Navy family that recently relocated to Kitsap County from Denver and is preparing to welcome a baby.
It was a struggle finding a birthing center on such short notice under the military's Tricare insurance and she feels fortunate to have found Poulsbo's True North Birth Center.
"Because here I feel seen, I feel heard. It's me having a baby instead of a number on a chart," Brittany said.
Jones said there are only eight obstetricians in the county, which amounts to three for every 100,000 people. In addition, the cancelation will likely put more pressure on hospitals in the area.
All across Washington, labor and delivery units are being cut, some entirely shut down, largely due to the expiration of COVID-19 funding and the expensive cost of delivering babies.
"I'm really worried for these families," said Jones.
She said military families will now have to apply for Medicaid or pay out of pocket. 40% of the babies born at her clinic are from military families, and moms may bear the brunt of Tricare's decision.
"We likely are going to see higher rates of post-partum depression in these families who are already away from their families and may not have much support," said Jones.
Some expectant mothers may have to forego prenatal care altogether, making deliveries more dangerous, while Brittany is simply thankful her family is covered.
"I don't know what I would have done. Walked into and ER in labor, I guess," she said .
Requests for comment to Tricare have not yet been returned.