5 Things to Know Regarding Insurance Coverage for Pregnancy

Health insurance is important to help cover any medical situation, but it's especially important when you are pregnant or hoping to become pregnant. Medical care for a pregnancy without complications can cost a minimum of $10,000.00. If you have a high-risk pregnancy, you can count on many times that amount. Insurance for pregnancy can help alleviate the stress of climbing medical bills so that you can enjoy your new baby. 

1. What Pregnancy Insurance Covers

Your coverage will depend on the insurance company that covers you and your pregnancy. However, these are some basics that most pregnancy insurance policies do cover:

• Prenatal care, labor, and delivery
• Doctor's office or clinic visits
• Hospital, doctor, and/or midwife for the birth
• Your new baby's care for a specified time after leaving the hospital

2. Why Get Pregnancy Insurance

Your health insurance company cannot refuse you coverage based solely on the fact that you are pregnant or might be soon. The amount of coverage, however, can vary from company to company.  When choosing a health insurance carrier make sure you check their coverage for prenatal and maternity care to ensure they offer the coverage you need based on your medical and financial circumstances.  

3. Insurance to Help Cover IVF and Infertility Issues

Health insurance to cover infertility diagnosis and in vitro fertilization (IVF) or other infertility treatments is determined on a state-by-state basis. Federal law does not mandate that infertility issues be covered at this time. Check with your health insurance carrier to see if any part of infertility help is covered. 

Several specialized insurance companies do partially cover surrogacy costs that can include some of the steps from egg retrieval, implantation, and prenatal care through birth. 

4. If You Don't Have Health Insurance to Cover Your Pregnancy

Pregnancy insurance is available through many private insurance companies. If you don't qualify for Medicaid, Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), or other similar insurance, you can apply through the Health Insurance Marketplace where cost is determined largely based on your income. Also, check out your state’s WIC program to see if you qualify for services. Since insurance companies offer varying coverages for pregnancy care, you can apply for additional income-based pregnancy insurance to help cover your maternity costs.

There are discount programs that are not insurance plans that can also help with the cost of your pregnancy and the subsequent birth of your baby. Your doctor and hospital might be willing to work with you on a sliding scale to pay for your pregnancy and birth bills. Ask your doctor about programs that offer free or discounted supplies or services for your baby.

5. Insurance Coverage and Breast Pumps 

Most insurance companies are required to provide a free breast pump to new and expectant moms due to the Affordable Care Act. However, it can be difficult to figure out your benefits on your own. Complete Care Medical will take this hassle of getting in touch with your insurance provider and verifying your benefits off your hands. Our Breast Pump Specialists will contact your insurance provider to verify your benefits, will get the required prescription from your doctor, and complete the insurance paperwork that is needed for coverage!

Call us today at Complete Care Medical for your pregnancy and newborn supplies. We are here to help and offer guidance regarding pregnancy and pregnancy insurance-related questions.