Prenatal care is extremely important during pregnancy. With rising healthcare costs, insurance coverage is crucial. Circumstances such as a change in employment or company insurance changes can bring about unnecessary anxiety regarding pre-existing conditions such as pregnancy. Changing insurance while pregnant can be difficult, but with some knowledge, you can find the right benefits and carrier for your situation.
Step 1
Research your options. For employment change, you can take your ex-employer's insurance through Cobra for up to 18 months after employment termination, at the cost the employer paid. This is not the most cost effective option, but can help avoid lapse in coverage and waiting times before new insurance takes effect.
Step 2
Read insurance coverage information from different companies. Some companies offer benefits for pre-existing pregnancy in the first and second trimesters. According to HIPAA laws, your pregnancy cannot be considered a pre-existing condition that requires a 12-month waiting period for coverage.
Step 3
Choose a company that offers a low deductible and sensible co-payments for office visit and hospital stays. Make sure that the insurance company will cover your prenatal care with your chosen doctor, and the hospital where you will deliver.
Step 4
Fill out and sign all paperwork from your chosen company as soon as possible. Timely submission of insurance documents is important in obtaining your coverage without missing your monthly prenatal appointments. Some companies offer online services in order to expedite coverage.
Step 5
Study your co-pay list, familiarizing yourself with office visit co-pays, hospital stays, testing and benefits that will cover your child as soon as you deliver.
Tips and Warnings
- If you are laid off and have no other options regarding paying for your own insurance, your state can help sign you up for Medicaid, which will cover 100 percent of your pregnancy and postnatal care once you meet certain financial criteria.
