Im looking for maternity insurance. Any advice?

[AlecBGreen]

My wife is 5 weeks pregnant but her private plan doesnt cover any maternity related expenses. We looked at a plan specifically for pregnant women but you arent allowed to BE pregnant when you sign up (have to wait 6 months to get pregnant). We have the option of adding her on to my work plan in June but by then she will be 7 months along. Also, its pretty expensive for our budget ($500/month with one-year minimum). We probably dont qualify for Medicaid because our annual income is $50,000. We will try anyway and see what they say.

Just thought Id throw this out there to my evilDUers and see if any of yall knew something I dont. Thanks for any advice you can offer!

p.s. if its a boy, his name will be Lucas. If its a girl, we want to name her May

[cbayer]

1. There are hospitals and physicians that will give you a package deal.

It would include routine pre-natal, delivery and post-natal care for a set price.

You might then just buy a "catastrophic" policy in case things are not routine. The highest expenses would be incurred in there were a premature birth, but the baby, I assume, will be covered on your policy.

Congratulations to you and your wife!

[AlecBGreen]

2. thanks cbayer!

[hunter]

3. Congratulations! I love being a dad.

And, um, speaking from personal experience, here in the USA medical bills can come in a box. That's how I first learned to deal with "health" insurance companies that won't pay what they promised, medical debt collectors, ugly biting things that live in the sewers... in comparison to the poison paper pushers and money changers it's a holy joy to change a diaper!

Absolutely worth it all. My kids are magnificent, and your kid will be too!!!

[OhioBlue]

4. I wish I had good advice

keep investigating the Medicaid - I've known plenty of people who qualified when I didn't think they would. Also - call your local Congressman's office and tell them your story. I don't know if they can help you wade through the new laws or potential benefits... but make sure you tell them what you are facing. Tell them more than once.

Talk to the people at the OBGYN clinic - they may have some advice. Even if you cannot get your wife on your plan until month 7 - it may still be worth it. I had to have an emergency c-section and I know it was well over $10k with everything. I had a large co-pay but the hospital let me make payments over many months.

Best of luck with insurance issues.. and a most heartfelt congratulations on your wife's pregnancy! I LOVE both names - Lucas is a family name for my husband and May is my Grandmother's middle name. Both names are just lovely. :hugs:

[PassingFair]

5. Call one of those crisis pregnancy hotlines...

they might be able to steer you to some programs.

Worth a try.

My brother had his first child's birth paid for
when he was making minimum wage by somehow
getting himself declared "medically indigent".

He paid a small (under $1000 co-pay). It was an
uncomplicated birth, though.

Good luck!!

[Kali]

6. is she in good health?

alternatives to full medical/hospital stuff are birthing centers and home births with dulas/midwives.

My kids were both ~ $1000 for home births, included several prenatal visits and an ultrasound. This was a bit more than 20 years ago.

good luck and congrats

[Nikia]

7. Does your state have any type of program?

I live in Wisconsin that has health care for pregnant women with a higher income eligibility limit than other programs, well until Walker takes that away.

[suninvited]

8. My son and his wife were faced with the same situation

but were unable to find coverage at all. Their income was way lower than yours and they did not qualify for Medicaid.

They did one of those package deals that includes everything and made payments. They didn't have to have it paid off before the birth, they paid long afterwards.