According to the US Department of Health and Human Services (HRSA), "nearly one million American women deliver babies without receiving adequate medical attention." HRSA estimates that infant deaths are five times higher among women who have not received medical care. If you do not have private health insurance, you may qualify for programs that offer free or low cost prenatal care and delivery services.
Step 1
Apply for Medicaid health insurance. Medicaid is a federal and state funded public health insurance program that is available to certain people who meet set income qualifications. The income qualifications are different in each area. Contact your local social services agency or public health department to find out if you qualify and to get assistance applying for Medicaid. According to the American Pregnancy Association, "pregnant women are usually given priority in determining Medicaid eligibility" in order to provide for early prenatal care.
Step 2
Ask social services or your public health department about state and federal health care programs other than Medicaid that are available to pregnant women in your area. Some areas have free or low cost maternity health programs that are available to women, even if they do not qualify for Medicaid. Your area may have free health care clinics that can provide you with free or low cost prenatal care.
Step 3
Call the hospitals in your area and inquire about low cost or no cost delivery services. Some hospitals offer reduced cost prenatal care and delivery services to uninsured pregnant women. In addition, hospitals with low and no cost services, sometimes accept payment plans to make the services more financially affordable.
Step 4
Enroll in a medical discount program. Medical discount programs are not health insurance plans, but instead offer discounted rates for medical services. These programs are available for any person, without prequalification rules and are relatively inexpensive, usually costing less than $50.00 a month for one person.
Tips and Warnings
- Check into applying for Medicaid even if you are not below poverty level. Many states offer Medicaid coverage to pregnant women who are above the poverty line.
- Be careful when selecting a medical discount plan, to avoid being scammed. Read the plan information thoroughly to gain an understanding of what the plan offers discounts for. Make sure the discounts are available in your area and for maternity care. Research the company to make sure it is legitimate. See Resources for a link to a report by the Federal Trade Commission on Medical Discount Plans.
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