For many women, one of the happiest times of their life quickly becomes stressful when they face the enormous costs of a pregnancy without insurance. With the soaring cost of health care, prenatal care and hospital expenses can range from $5,000 to $20,000. If you're one of the millions of women who are pregnant without insurance, there are things you can do to reduce your medical expenses.
See if you qualify for maternity health coverage under Medicaid. Eligibility requirements vary by state, so check with your state's health department to see if you qualify. If you do not meet the requirements for Medicaid, see if your state offers any other assistance programs for pregnant women.
If you cannot get Medicaid or other state assistance, check with your local Planned Parenthood office to see if they offer prenatal care. Some offices have prenatal programs and charge based on income. You can locate the nearest Planned Parenthood Health Center at: www.plannedparenthood.org.
Also consider a maternity discount plan such as Maternity Advantage. With maternity discount plans, you pay a low monthly fee and receive a discount of up to 60 percent on prenatal care and hospital expenses.
Another option for paying for pregnancy without insurance is to talk to the billing department at the hospital and your doctor's office to see if they can give you a discount. Explain that you do not have health insurance and will have trouble paying the bills. It is important to do this at the beginning of your pregnancy rather than waiting until you start receiving bills.
If all else fails, set up a payment plan with your doctor's office and the hospital so you are not stuck paying a massive medical bill all at once. Again, it is best to do this at the beginning of your pregnancy.
See if you qualify for maternity health coverage under Medicaid. Eligibility requirements vary by state, so check with your state's health department to see if you qualify. If you do not meet the requirements for Medicaid, see if your state offers any other assistance programs for pregnant women.
If you cannot get Medicaid or other state assistance, check with your local Planned Parenthood office to see if they offer prenatal care. Some offices have prenatal programs and charge based on income. You can locate the nearest Planned Parenthood Health Center at: www.plannedparenthood.org.
Also consider a maternity discount plan such as Maternity Advantage. With maternity discount plans, you pay a low monthly fee and receive a discount of up to 60 percent on prenatal care and hospital expenses.
Another option for paying for pregnancy without insurance is to talk to the billing department at the hospital and your doctor's office to see if they can give you a discount. Explain that you do not have health insurance and will have trouble paying the bills. It is important to do this at the beginning of your pregnancy rather than waiting until you start receiving bills.
If all else fails, set up a payment plan with your doctor's office and the hospital so you are not stuck paying a massive medical bill all at once. Again, it is best to do this at the beginning of your pregnancy.
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