Maternity Insurance

[Anonymous]

I unexpectedly became pregnant and found that my individual insurance plan does not cover maternity. It seems that no plan in the district will cover me and we make too much to be covered by any government based program.

I have arranged fairly a low cost midwife birth. The baby will be covered by my insurance at birth, but what happens if there was an emergency during labor? We would be bankrupted. Terrifying!

Does anyone have ideas or resources that would give me some kind of coverage in case of emergency.


Thanks in advance.

[Anonymous]

Do you have annual enrollement coming up soon that you can switch insurance plans?

I have jumped from 1 insurance to another during this time based on pregnancy coverage and costs.

[Anonymous]

I have heard that some health insurances would cover an emergency even if they don't otherwise cover maternity. It's probably a long shot but I would look into that anyway. If you do end up in the hospital, you can lower your bill by staying fewer than the recommended number of nights. Also, if your employer offers a flexible spending account for healthcare, you have 30 days after birth to enroll/change the amount of money - that way you could get some tax benefit. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

You may want to look into supplemental insurance like Aflac. I'm not sure if pregnancy/maternity is considered "pre-existing" and alter your coverage, but it might be worth looking into.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Do you have annual enrollement coming up soon that you can switch insurance plans?

I have jumped from 1 insurance to another during this time based on pregnancy coverage and costs.

Good idea. I'm not sure it is an option. BC said they would reject me because I am already pregnant. Were you pregnant when you switched, what did you switch to?

Thanks.

[Anonymous]

A long shot...but would you consider a home birth/birthing center for delivery in lieu of a hospital? True, you still have to pay for the services of a midwife and probably any other fees associated with it, but I can't imagine that it would be more expensive than a hospital. just wanted to throw that option out there....

[Anonymous]

The richest most powerful country in the world -- and we still can't make sure that women get to give birth in a hospital.

This thread depresses me. Good luck to you, OP.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:A long shot...but would you consider a home birth/birthing center for delivery in lieu of a hospital? True, you still have to pay for the services of a midwife and probably any other fees associated with it, but I can't imagine that it would be more expensive than a hospital. just wanted to throw that option out there....

OP, don't do that. If all else fails with the insurance thing, you can do a few things.
Find out if DC has a plan. It will probably be medical assistance, but it will do.
Consider taking up residence in MD or VA. They have plans.
Check out university clinics. They are fine, just longer waits.
Also, try going straight to an OB and a hospital to try to come up with a deal. Most doctors, if you are honest and sincere, will work with you. You can come up with an installment plan. They might ask your income. Also the hospitals can sometimes work with you if you have hooked up with an OBGYN.
Good luck. Your baby will be fine. Take your vitamins and reduce stress. Stress can lead to prematurity. No, you will not be bankrupted.

[Anonymous]

I switched from Mamsi (I think) to Cigna 1st time I was pregnant.

To Aetna 2nd time.

It was not an issue of "Pre-existing condition"either time.

[Anonymous]

OP I am in the same boat. 12 weeks and I have yet to go to the dr. I feel so depressed and sad about this.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The richest most powerful country in the world -- and we still can't make sure that women get to give birth in a hospital.

This thread depresses me. Good luck to you, OP.

We're the 8th richest country in the world, not the richest by far.

[Anonymous]

I am pretty sure that insurance companies are not allowed to treat pregnancy as a pre-existing condition. I switched plans mid-pregnancy because I changed employers, but it was still with Aetna. I am sure if my new employer offered a different carrier, they'd have to cover me. My doctor might not accept the new insurance, but that isn't a huge deal to find someone else.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am pretty sure that insurance companies are not allowed to treat pregnancy as a pre-existing condition. I switched plans mid-pregnancy because I changed employers, but it was still with Aetna. I am sure if my new employer offered a different carrier, they'd have to cover me. My doctor might not accept the new insurance, but that isn't a huge deal to find someone else.

I wish it weren't true but insurance companies do treat pregnancy as a preexisting condition under individual plans. I think the rules are different for employer based plans.

[Anonymous]

I found out the hard way that no company will insure you if you're pregnant. One agent told me it was like insuring a burning building.
Group coverage through work is different. Everyone is approved.
There are services that will cut the cost in half but I went through this in VA, so sorry not to know of any in the district.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP I am in the same boat. 12 weeks and I have yet to go to the dr. I feel so depressed and sad about this.

OP here. It is really depressing and scary, but do go to a Dr or midwife. Shop around, if you are inclined to use a midwife for the birth or just want more affordable prenatal care then check out this website: http://www.birthoptionsalliance.org/midwifery_dc_area.asp they have midwifery listings.

If you find any magic way to get an insurance company to cover you, please post it here.

Thanks and good luck.