Health Insurance for Pregnancy
Having a baby is such a blessing. However, many people can feel uneasy about the financial part of it all. There are options for you if you don’t have health insurance. If you don’t have insurance, you’re not alone. Over 41 million Americans are uninsured, and many of those who are insured are underinsured.
Government Funded Programs
The government is a great place to receive help with the cost of having your baby. They can assist with hospital bills and fees and also provide food and medications once your baby is home.
Medicaid is a state run program which is federally funded. Medicaid provides medical assistance for low-income families and individuals. You may find that there are other options, depending on your state, which provide additional programs for women who are pregnant such as Medi-cal. You can check with your local department of health for information on local programs that may further assist you.
WIC is a federal agency that serves to safeguard the health of low-income women, infants and children under the age of 5. WIC provides nutritious foods to supplement diets, information on healthy eating, and referrals to health care.
Optional Discount Insurance Programs
There are many alternatives to traditional health insurance and Medicaid. These alternatives offer a discount on your health care and may help you out. Make sure to check with your health care provider to find out what discount you would receive if you paid cash. Take monthly fees, deductibles and premiums into account. Here are a few examples of discount programs:
Maternity Advantage is a discount health program that can save you up to 60% on doctor’s visits, lab work, sonograms, your hospital stay, and much more. Maternity Advantage is not insurance but it works with a National Preferred Provider Maternity Network. There is a low monthly fee, but Maternity Advantage can provide you with a comprehensive maternity plan. You can receive these benefits even after you have found out that you are pregnant. You can request FREE information by calling them toll-free at (800) 450-0183.
AmeriPlan is a discount plan that is currently available in all states except Alaska. AmeriPlan saves people up to 50% and more on their health care services. Benefits include physician, hospital, and ancillary services (i.e., lab work, tests, x-rays). Since AmeriPlan is not insurance, all pre-existing conditions are covered. There are no deductibles, no waiting periods, no claim forms, and no annual limits. For more information on this discount program you call them toll-free at (800) 647-8421.
