# Midwives in Colorado

> A midwife is a trained health professional who cares for people during pregnancy, birth, and afterward. Certified nurse-midwives are licensed nurses with graduate training.

Source: Colorado Health Insurance Colorado Care Index (https://coloradohealthinsurance.com/care/midwife), data updated 2026-11-11. Published by Grove Benefit Advisors LLC, a licensed Colorado health insurance agency.

## When people see one

- Prenatal care for a low-risk pregnancy
- Labor and birth support
- Care after the baby is born
- Routine gynecologic exams and birth control

## How it differs

- OB-GYN: An OB-GYN is a surgeon and physician who can treat complications and perform cesarean births. A midwife focuses on low-risk care and works with a physician if problems come up.

## On 2027 Colorado plans

- Referral: Plan filings list referral rules only for specialists. Some plans need a doctor's order or prior approval for this care, so check the plan's summary of benefits.
- Visit cost by metal level (standard plans):
  - Bronze: $0 to $50 a visit on 29 of 56 plans
  - Silver: $0 to $35 a visit on 50 of 58 plans
  - Gold: $0 to $20 a visit on 20 of 30 plans

## In Colorado

- 626 clinicians at 341 locations in public records (NPPES, CMS).

## Questions to ask the office

- Are you taking new patients?
- Which 2027 plans do you take? Ask for the plan's network name, not only the insurance company.
- Where do you deliver: a hospital, birth center, or home?
- What happens if I need a physician during labor?

## Sources

- [American College of Nurse-Midwives: About Midwifery](https://www.midwife.org/about-midwives)
- [MedlinePlus: Types of health care providers](https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001933.htm)