Pregnancy without insurance is a cold, hard reality for 13 percent of the 6 million women who conceive each year in the United States, according to the American Pregnancy Association. Although it can be stressful at times, experiencing pregnancy without insurance is not the end of the world. Recognizing the pressure that you're under and knowing your options can help lessen the stress that you and your loved ones may feel, putting the focus back where it belongs--on you and your unborn baby.
Significance
Many pregnant women without insurance try to save on the overall cost of pregnancy by skipping prenatal visits until late in gestation. Although it may seem an attractive option if you're on a limited income, this practice comes with risks. Putting off prenatal visits keeps your doctor or midwife from being able to monitor your pregnancy, as well as identify and treat possible problems early during pregnancy. The University of Tennessee Medical Center also notes that skipping prenatal visit generally won't reduce your pregnancy bills, since most obstetrical care providers charge a single fee that covers all of your pregnancy care, regardless of whether or not you missed appointments.
Costs
According to the American Pregnancy Association, costs for a normal pregnancy and delivery range from $6,000 to $8,000. Without insurance, you are financially responsible for all of the fees associated with your pregnancy, including doctors' and hospital costs and other services, such as special testing. Generally, doctors' fees include the cost of prenatal visits, labor and delivery and your post-delivery checkup. Hospital costs include room fees for you and your new baby, lab fees and medical supplies and medicine.
Considerations
Investigate enrolling in Medicaid if you find yourself pregnant without group or individual health care insurance. According to the American Pregnancy Association, if you qualify, Medicaid pays for all pregnancy-related costs incurred during your gestation and the 60 days after delivery. All states provide Medicaid insurance for pregnant women with a household income equal to or less than 133 percent of the federal poverty level, as long as they meet other basic eligibility requirements. Talk to your county health department to determine the exact eligibility requirements in your state, since some states provide Medicaid for pregnant women with higher incomes.
Options
According to the American Pregnancy Association, the average cost of a birth center delivery is approximately $3,000 to $4,000--about half the cost of a hospital delivery. If you live in a state that permits home births, you may be able to further reduce your out-of-pocket pregnancy costs by having a certified nurse-midwife or direct-entry midwife provide prenatal care and deliver your baby at home. Although this isn't for everyone, especially women experiencing a high-risk pregnancy, it's generally the least expensive option for pregnancy and delivery costs.
Time Frame
Start to look into pregnancy costs and payment options as soon as you find out you're pregnant. Call obstetrical care providers within an easy driving distance to compare their costs. Ask if your hospital has a sliding scale for payments, which takes factors such as your annual income into consideration, allowing you to pay discounted rates for your pregnancy costs. Once you decide on a doctor or midwife, begin prenatal visits at the recommended time of gestation, usually by the 12th week of pregnancy.
