Pregnancy Should Qualify: Let Military Moms Choose Their Care
Imagine you’re a young military spouse who has just learned you’re expecting your first baby. Excited to begin prenatal care, you call your primary care manager (PCM) to request a referral to an obstetrician—only to find out there are no available appointments for weeks. Or perhaps the MTF obstetric clinic is at capacity, and you’re told your care will be handled by a family practice doctor instead. You might even ask for a referral to a practice out in town, only to be told you must be seen at the MTF.
You’re likely stationed far from family and friends and may even be navigating a deployment or TDY separation. That leaves you to face a pregnancy—and the complexities of the Military Health System (MHS)—on your own.
Many of us don’t even have to imagine scenarios like these, as we’ve lived through them or watched fellow military spouses go through them. And at a time when access to quality health care matters most, too many expectant military moms struggle to get the care they need.
Part of the issue lies in the limitations of TRICARE’s two plan options: Prime and Select. Most military families are enrolled in Prime, which requires a referral from a PCM for any specialty care. Typically, Prime beneficiaries must receive care at their installation’s MTF. Families can only change TRICARE plans during the annual Open Season or after a Qualifying Life Event (QLE)—such as a move, marriage, job loss, or the birth of a child. Pregnancy, however, isn’t considered a QLE. In many areas, that means pregnant spouses are effectively “locked in” to their local MTF, with no alternative options for care.
While many MTFs deliver excellent care, staffing shortages and long appointment wait times often create barriers in accessing that care. That’s unacceptable for any military family member, but especially for pregnant women. Early and consistent prenatal care is closely tied to positive outcomes for both mother and baby.
For pregnant moms coping with the stresses of military life, regular access to high-quality prenatal care isn’t just a “nice to have” – it’s absolutely essential.
That’s why NMFA supports the Improving Access to Prenatal Care for Military Families Act, which would classify pregnancy as a Qualifying Life Event under TRICARE. We appreciate Senator Tammy Duckworth, Senator Andy Kim, and Representative Terri Sewell for leading this critical legislation.
No military family should struggle for access to quality prenatal care. Making pregnancy a Qualifying Life Event under TRICARE is a simple, necessary change that would give expectant moms the flexibility to get the care they deserve. But this won’t happen without your voice.
Tell Congress why this matters. How would being able to switch TRICARE plans during pregnancy change your experience? Share your story and help us advocate for the care every military family needs.
