Do you have maternity health insurance? People who are looking for some sort of maternity health insurance generally fall into two categories. They are planning for a future pregnancy, and they are concerned about the cost of having a healthy baby. Or they are already pregnant, and wonder how they can get some help with doctor’s visits and hospital costs. Some of these people may have some coverage, but it does not cover pregnancy very well, or they may have no health insurance at all.

Here are some options to get medical coverage so you can have a healthy baby.

One common way to cover the cost of having a baby is with an employer provided group medical plan. These usually provide very comprehensive coverage so you can be sure that most of the costs will be paid for. However, millions of Americans lack group medical benefits.

I have only seen one private individual insurer, Assurant, that offers a maternity option, and that is with a fairly high deductible. That option is a rider (option) to some of their policies. You have to select it at an extra cost. Note that there could be others, particularly regional plans, I am not aware of. That is why I always suggest that people start their search with online quotes for their own zip code.

Let me be clear. Any complications, like a C section, should be insured by private major medical. But the normal checkups, blood tests, and deliveries, will not be covered unless you have explicit maternity coverage.

Keep in mind that any private insurance company will decline you if you are already pregnant. You have to buy your policy before you get pregnant. I am not sure how health reform will change that, but that will be some years in the future anyway.

Let us look at some public health care options, and also at some private charities that may provide some financial help.

If your family has a moderate to low income, you may consider CHIPS. If you are very poor, consider Medicaid. These programs cover the health care costs and deliveries of millions of babies.

You could also look into low cost clinics that the federal government or your county health system provides. Some private charities have funds to aid pregnant women. Try searching the Partnership for Prescription Assistance website. They have lots of information, and a lot of the resources they list do much more than just offer prescription medicine.

Do you have money, but no health insurance for maternity?

Many doctors and hospitals can help you with a pre-paid service. This gives you a way to pay out the normal cost of doctors and hospitals. You can call area hospitals to find out more. I have even seen some listed on the internet.

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