Why choose Off the Grid Midwives?
Off the Grid is a private practice that intentionally accepts only a limited number of families for childbirth each month. In her long experience as a midwife, Kay Jackson, CNM, ARNP, has found the individual model of midwifery care the one best suited for those seeking the intimacy, confidence, and support of a private practitioner experienced in natural pregnancy and labor.
Kay offers services at The Birthing Inn for low-risk folks seeking out-of-hospital birth. If the need arises, Kay can admit to St. Joseph's Hospital and continue midwifery support there. She has developed a reputation for safely providing hospital care to those who desire a VBAC (vaginal delivery after Cesarean), and others who need or want a hospital birth, including those who may prefer medical management of labor, like epidural for pain relief.
How do I make an appointment?
If you're not already registered with Off the Grid and desire midwifery services, make a Meet & Greet Appointment by clicking HERE. We reserve a full hour of our clinic time for these Meet & Greet appointments, please respect our time and call if you need to cancel or if something comes up and you need to reschedule. If you decide to move forward with our practice, schedule your Establishment of Care visit with our Office Goddess, Stacey Oberle, to reserve your space.
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Not having a baby, but looking for sensitive health care? Schedule an annual exam HERE. Midwives are competent clinical care providers for more than just pregnancy care, we provide care across the lifespan.
Does Off the Grid take insurance?
Off the Grid Midwives accept BCBS, Regence, Premera, Aetna, Cigna, Kaiser PPO (non-Core plans), FirstChoice, Provider One plans like Community Health Plan of WA (CHPW) and Molina. Others accepted are Multicare Connected Care Network, Tricare Select (Kay accepts what Tricare mandates as payment, decreasing your responsibility by 15%), and Tricare for Life. Tricare Prime members must change their status to Tricare Select during open enrollment periods.
Insurance-speak. What does it all mean?
Insurance Plan: A contract between you and an insurance company. Choice of plans influences how you experience health care, so when you're able to choose between plans, please read the fine print and know the details of all plans available to you.
Deductible: An amount the insured person pays before the plan pays its portion. A deductible can be tiny or huge, ranging from $300 to $10,000, depending on your plan. Even when a provider is "In-Network" your insurance company will expect you to pay up to your full deductible. If you have a high-deductible plan (many choose this for lower monthly cost), you may want to consider what this means for your finances during your childbearing years as your out-of-pocket expenses will be much higher than a low-deductible plan.
Co-insurance: The percentage of an "allowed amount" insurance accepts payable after your deductible is met. This is sometimes called a co-pay. It's basically a cost-share between the insurance company and the insurance customer. Traditionally this cost-share was an 80/20% split, with you paying the 20%, but many plans now have their customers paying much higher shares.
Patient responsibility: Deductible + co-insurance + any office visit co-pay = your responsibility to pay.
Professional provider: A midwife, physician, or another type of practitioner. Individual plans differ regarding the inclusion of chiropractic, naturopathy, and acupuncture, and massage in coverage. Look for a plan that does!
Out-of-Network: If the desired provider is not in a plan's network, check your plan for these benefits or apply for an Out of Network Exception or gap coverage.
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Facility Fee: The amount charged by a birth center or hospital. X-ray and ultrasound services may also include a facility fee. The first choice of a facility is not always part of a plan network—another matter to check on.
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Open Enrollment: November to January of each year when you can change insurance plans based on preference, finances, and upcoming needs. Don't let it pass you by if you'd like to switch coverage or opt for a low-deductible plan!
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Global Maternity Care: If a single provider or provider-group handles pregnancy, birth, and post-birth care, insurance companies treat the pregnancy as one event and pay in a lump at the end of pregnancy. But if a woman changes providers or has the need for ultrasound, fetal monitoring, admission to hospital, or anesthesia, these and other items are treated as "extra" events billed and reimbursed separately.
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Self Pay: Individuals who opt to pay Off the Grid out of their savings account or via a medical loan. Families who have no insurance contract, insurance that doesn't participate with Off the Grid, or that has a high deductible, and co-insurance amounts may find it beneficial to use Off the Grid's prompt-pay discount for childbirth care.
What about safety?
The Birthing Inn is a 5 ½ mile drive to St. Joseph's Medical Center, the hospital where Kay can admit you and continue your care as your midwife. Off the Grid Midwives partner with Dr. Steven Maynard, an experienced Tacoma obstetrician who kindly serves as back-up for private practice midwives when special help is needed during labor or birth.
And what about two births at the same time? No worries! Angie and other lovely Birthing Inn-based midwives you see on your way in & out of the building are available if we need an extra pair of hands.
Can I continue care after my baby is born?
Yes, please! See our page continuing your health care and wellness services with Off the Grid Midwives. You can continue to receive care even after your birthing years. We offer annual exams, preventive care, menopause care, and more.
clinic location & numbers
6002 Westgate Boulevard, Suite 274, Tacoma, WA 98406
Office: (253) 509-2960 Fax: (306) 400-2735
Office manager & voicemail: (360) 633-9146
Secure e-Fax: (306) 400-2735 (Yes, the 306 area code is correct)
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clinic hours
Monday: generally 11 am to 5 pm
Wednesday & Thursday: 10am - 5pm
Rescheduling and special accommodations made for babies' needs and yours
Virtual appointments available