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Pregnant Without Health Insurance? You are in a tough spot if you are pregnant and without medical insurance and/or short term disability insurance. Pregnancy is considered a pre-existing condition by health insurance carriers. Finding private health insurance coverage during your pregnancy will be very difficult.
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It's good to know you are not alone. There are more options than I realized.
Pregnancy Without Insurance: State DisabilityPregnancy without insurance leaves you vulnerable for extra expenses and lost income during maternity leave. If you but work in one of five states with mandated state disability insurance you may qualify for maternity leave income replacement. Health Insurance for Pregnant Women - Group CoverageHealth insurance for pregnant women is best found through group health insurance plans. If you are already pregnant and need insurance, your best bet may be to change employers. The Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978 requires that any health insurance provided by an employer must cover expenses for pregnancy-related conditions on the same basis as costs for other medical conditions. Pregnancy-related expenses should be reimbursed exactly as those incurred for other medical conditions, whether payment is on a fixed basis or a percentage of reasonable-and-customary-charge basis. Pregnant With No Insurance: Use FSAIf you are pregnant with no
insurance you may be facing some extra medical bills. Use pre-tax dollars rather than after-tax dollars to pay for these costs with your flexible spending account (FSA). You may cut your costs by 1/3 or
more for many of your costs during pregnancy and after.
Coverage for Pregnant Women: Unemployment BenefitsWhat happens if your pregnancy prevents you from working? Short term disability insurance will replace a portion of your income if you purchased coverage before getting pregnant. Unemployment benefits may replace a portion of your income if you lose your job during your pregnancy. But you must know its design and limitations. If you lose your job, but are still able to work you may qualify for payments. Rules vary by state. Health Insurance for Pregnant Women: MedicaidMedicaid is a state and federal program that pays for some health services for certain low-income pregnant women, and children. Each state has differing income limits, and guidelines for who qualifies. The average income limit is around $30,000 per year.
Getting accepted by Medicaid is your hardest step. Call the human resources department or social services in your county, and explain that you are calling for a Medicaid for pregnant women application. Once qualified you should then find a doctor who accepts Medicaid patients. Pregnant women are covered for all care related to the pregnancy, delivery and any complications that may occur during pregnancy and up to 60 days postpartum. Pregnant Health Insurance: State High Risk PoolsPregnant women have a new health insurance option with passage of the health care reform act. If your income exceeds the federal guidelines for Medicaid, then high risk insurance pools might provide the coverage you need. Beginning September 23, 2010 each state must set up a high risk health insurance pool for people with pre existing health conditions. Pregnancy is considered a pre existing health condition and most private insurers will not issue coverage for your existing pregnancy. In order to qualify you must show that you have a pre existing condition, that you have been uninsured for at least six months, and that you are in the country legally. At minimum, you will be able to get coverage during the most important time of your pregnancy: the third trimester, and during delivery. Pregnant No Health Benefits: Charity CareIf you are pregnant with no health or medical benefits you may also consider investigating charity care. Many states mandate that hospital systems provide treatment for people who need care. Like Medicaid the amount of healthcare your receive during your pregnancy may vary based upon your income. Contact your local hospital systems for more information about program benefits and costs. Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)WIC provides Federal grants to States for supplemental foods, health care referrals, and nutrition education for low-income pregnant, breastfeeding, and non-breastfeeding postpartum women, and to infants and children up to age five who are found to be at nutritional risk. To apply to be a WIC participant, you will need to contact your State or local agency to set up an appointment. Discount Medical Plans for PregnancyMedical discount plans is an alternative if you are pregnant and need insurance. They will provide discounts at your doctor, specialists, and for labwork. They also have a hospital advocacy program who will work with your hospital to negotiate the bill down for you. Alternative Medical Treatment During PregnancyIf you are having a normal, uncomplicated pregnancy you may want to consider using a birthing center rather than going the traditional OB/GYN and hospital route. Your costs will be much lower. You will be treated by experienced midwives for your prenatal appointments, childbirth classes, the birth, and postnatal care. Most centers are located near hospitals in case one is needed. |
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