Hey, ladies. One of my friends desperately wants to have a baby but feels that she can't afford the medical expenses that comes with it. Her job does not provide insurance and her husband is self employed. They have a small health insurance policy that costs them $250/mo. but unfortunately it doesn't cover maternity. In order to add maternity to their policy it will cost them an extra $300/mo! They make too much to qualify for medicaid. She's trying to do the responsible thing by coming up with an option to pay. Do any of you know of anything else she could do to help with the out of pocket medical expenses.
She should look into having a baby at a birthing center....all pre-natal visits, labor & delivery are usually under $2500 total.
I think they should look for a job that offers full insurance before getting pregnant. In the end its not just the pre natal visits and delivery you should think about but the baby when it is born, also you never know, if there were any complications and she is self paying it could be a real nightmare in a time that should be the best of their lives, I think they should wait until they have full insurance.
Well, a midwive in her own office is for sure cheaper than an obgyn in a hospital! But either way, have her ask about paying cash up front. A lot of times if they save up and can pay for it at the first visit.the doctors will lower their fees a lot. I cant imagine that concern, but I do know several people who have doctor bills after the baby is born, and you just make it work. Honestly though, another $300 month may be the best thing, depending on what it covers..you never know how much it could end up costing if you have a c-section, or health complications for you or the baby..so sometimes insurance is the best way to go.Best of luck to her! ~A.~
I just have to say something snotty...There are SOOO many people who have kids constantly that cant afford it and they dont think twice. Maybe she could do like them and just not pay. ha. Im kidding!
I suggest they start saving up either for deliver and childcare or for insurance on their own. I dont make much but have been able to put SOME money back so that I can afford my delivery in January.
I personally disagree about waiting for insurance. You can pay it out, or save up for the majority of the costs upfront. I do believe they should get the child insured, as there will be many dr visits. Children are amazing little miracles. If we all waited til we were 100% wealthy to have ours none of us would have any little ones running around! As long as they are financially secure, stable and have a sound and happy marriage I say go for it.
I agree with women who suggesting midwifes. I would do home birth just because I think it's so much better than hospitals. She should watch movie "The Business Of Being Born" and do some research on line.
Here is preview http://www.thebusinessofbeingborn.com/
maybe she qualify for chip perinatal
You know there are alot of insurances out there, For instance blue cross and blue shiled. I dont know what there policies are but, you cna find them on the web and called. If her husband doesn't make alot of money she might want to try medicaid. They pay for just bout everything. I was on that before my hsuband and I got married and then I wsa switched to tricare threw the military. I hope this is helpful.
Count me in as one who suggests waiting until the couple is better insured. I never expected my pregnancy to take a turn for the worst: my daughter was delivered via emergency C-section 8 weeks early (her twin brother died in utero and it was discovered at 32 weeks gestation via routine sonogram) and ended up staying in NICU for 4 weeks.
If we didn't have insurance, we'd be paying up the wazoo for the NICU bill (and the IVs, and Xrays, and the list goes on and on).
has she looked into CHIP perinatal? you can make much more than you can with just plain medicaid
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i would definitely say wait until they have insurance! not every child is born healthy. my son for instance was in the NICU for 9 days (im glad i didnt have to see that bill!) he has also had to see almost every specialist out there. as well as 6 therapies a week.. you never know what you are going to get, be prepared!
I'm with Cindy. I believe they should wait until they are better insured and prepared.
Self pay is great if you do it that way but what about any complications? What if this child happens to be one who is sick a lot? What about child care? Is she going to stop working? If so, there goes another income source. The routine care of a child is not cheap and there are a lot of surprise expenses that come along with it. What about college planning for this child? I can go on and on.
I understand when someone really wants a child but there is a lot more to think about and prepare for. I'm glad to see that she is at least trying to be responsible.
Best wishes!
Ideally they should wait, but it depends on their particular situation. We chose to go ahead and have our baby out of pocket because our business was making more money than a regular job. If they chose to go ahead, be sure they do their homework. I was amazed at how much of a discount you can get if only you ask! Most hospitals and docs have cash plans for uninsured people. I used Trinity Medical Center and Dr. Meggs. They both gave me outstanding deals. They could also choose to use a birthing center for a much better price.
Some people have suggested midwives, which is a good idea. However, keep in mind that most midwives are not licensed in the event that the pregnancy becomes high risk or if the baby is overdue beyond a certain amount of time. A friend of mine was 5 days past her due date when she went into labor. Her midwife told her that she couldn't help her deliver because she was past her due date, so she had to just go to the nearest emergency room. She had no OB (she did midwife all the way), so she was stuck with whoever was on call that night.
Use a midwife instead of an OB/Gyn.
Use Cloth diapers instead of disposables.
Breastfeed.
Then, all she really has to buy after that is clothes.
