Federal Register #2026-06913

Extension of TRICARE Childbirth and Breastfeeding Support Demonstration Program

The Department of Defense is extending the Childbirth and Breastfeeding Support Demonstration (CBSD) program for an additional five years to further evaluate its impact on TRICARE beneficiaries. - Government Buyer: - Department of Defense, Office of the Secretary - Products/Services Requested: - Childbirth and breastfeeding support services provided by certified labor doulas, certified lactation consultants, and certified lactation counselors - Services are specifically for providers not otherwise authorized under TRICARE - Unique or Notable Requirements: - Evaluation of cost, quality of care, and maternal/fetal outcomes - Public comments are solicited regarding the demonstration and its potential integration into the TRICARE Basic benefit - Possibility of future rulemaking to make some or all of the demonstration permanent - Estimated contract value is approximately $19.6 million over five years - No specific OEMs or vendors are named, as the procurement focuses on healthcare services rather than products

Description

The Department of Defense is extending the Childbirth and Breastfeeding Support Demonstration (CBSD) program by five years, from January 1, 2027, to December 31, 2031. This demonstration evaluates the cost, quality of care, and impact on maternal and fetal outcomes of covering services of doulas and lactation consultants not otherwise authorized by TRICARE. The department is also soliciting public comments on the CBSD and its potential integration into the TRICARE Basic benefit, with a comment period ending May 11, 2026. The extension aims to allow sufficient time for program evaluation and potential rulemaking to make some or all of the CBSD permanent under TRICARE.

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