If you're in DC, this thread might help:
http://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/45/202700.page

Start on pg 4 about half way down, look for the conversation on DC healthy families. I believe the whole thing ended up being quite a huge pain in the ass for the OP but I think she managed to find a solution there.

As a doula and homebirther myself, I certaInly would whole-heartedly recommend homebirth. It is a most excellent way to have a baby for many reasons - financial reasons included. Some homebirth practices charge even less for self-pay clients. However, I have to say that if finances would be your only motivation to have a homebirth, then it probably isn't truly a good fit for you. Having a baby at home requires a certain understanding of and appreciation for the natural birthing process. If natural birth really isn't appealing to you, I'm sure there is a way to prenegotiate a rate with the hospital. Good luck to you.

Theater mit = maternity. WTH??

My understanding is that the costs are around 10-15 K.

Anyway, I had the same issue. But I was making very little money and qualified for state insurance for theater mitt coverage. We paid just $500. Don't flame me. We'd have been in real trouble to face a big bill. Inquire with your local government about this.

The midwives at GW charge five thousand for their global payment. That includes all midwifery Prenatal visits and services during delivery. it excludes labs, uktarsounds, nst, and any Prenatal testing. If you want a hospital birth I would try negotiating. Many care providers and hospitals will offer a discount to patients paying cash since they don't have to deal with insurance. Good luck!!!

I had my first at the Family Health and Birth Center and I saw the charges to insurance which were about $6000 for the birth center delivery. I bet those numbers are inflated for insurance. As a side note, it was a great experience.

I didn't get a chance to read this carefully, but any help here?

http://familiesusa2.org/assets/pdfs/chipra/Covering-Pregnant-Women.pdf

The family health and birth center has a low-cost/sliding-scale model of maternal care:
http://www.yourfhbc.org/

Additionally, I bet the midwives there would be able to refer you to additional resources, even if you choose to birth elsewhere.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My very rough understanding of Affordable Care Act is that next year all insurance plans must include maternity coverage. When is your due date, 2013 or 2014?

2014 due dates would only be 2-3 weeks pregnant right now

Well she did JUST found out

Right, but unless she had an IUI or something, she wouldn't of even had a missed period yet. Anyway...

In any case, even Affordable Care Act covers her birth, she still would be out of pocket for most prenatal care.

Maybe check in with Georgetown/GWU/Washington Hospital Center and see if you can negotiate a lower global fee for the visits and birth, or if they offer some kind of cash/uninsured discount, or a sliding scale fee. I'd suspect Georgetown might be your best bet, being non-profit and catholic.

I'd call around to various hospitals and find out what they charge. Also, if your insurance covers emergencies, does it specifically include emergencies related to delivery? How does that work?

I'd take the time to get a very clear idea - in writing, if possible - from your insurance of what scenarios might be covered and then call around to hospitals to compare basic costs.

If you read the recent Time article on hospitals chargemasters, the costs can differ dramatically.

I'd go with the home birth option myself.

Abortion
Or
Have the baby in England
Or
Home birth

Or
Bankrupcy and homelessness. If you are homeless the baby will land in foster care. Foster care for infants turns into adoption after 6 months

$25k-$40k cost at Sibley seems outrageously high. An uncomplicated vaginal birth it usually more in the $10k-$15k range.

Try the suggestions for a midwife for your prenatal care, and a birthing center. They would be less expensive.

Also, depending on your income, you might qualify for coverage the Children's Health Insurance Program in DC. It's worth checking out. At the very least, they can refer you to other programs that could provide some coverage.

NOVA Birth Center or Birth Care can do prenatal, delivery, and postpartum care for 3500-4000ish. HOwever, with BirthCare be ware that that require you to have a "birth assistant" which is around 850-1000 on top of the other fees. NOVA BirthCenter doesn't require it last I checked and they offer a discount for those paying fully out of pocket.

But bare in mind that the unexpected can happen and if you have to transfer to a hospital, you'll end up paying for both. With a hospital, you can try to negociate for insurance rates once get your bill.