I need help. What do I do?

Question

I’m stressed. Like really, really stressed. I’m currently on my dads health insurance as a dependent. I asked if they covered maternal services for me, and they said it did. But then I get a call today from my doctor and they said that I’m not covered at all. It will cost me $2,658 for anything to do with my OB/GYN doctor. That does not include any ultrasounds or labs. Just pregnant visits throughout the whole pregnancy. And then there is the big thing I’m really worried about. The actual hospital bill. I am hoping that I have a normal vaginal delivery. I’m hoping there isn’t any complications. I’m so scared it’s going to cost me thousands and thousands of dollars to give birth. I do not qualify for Medicaid or any government assistance. I make about nearly $50k a year. I can’t afford my jobs insurance because they want to charge me $105 a week for the premium and then I have to pay the $5000 deductible before the insurance pays for anything. Which would be 80%. Like, yes I make decent money but I’m paying for everything. Literally. I don’t have this kind of money and idk what to do. Has anyone else given birth without insurance? If so, what did it cost you? I live in Arkansas but I’m giving birth in Texas (nearest hospital and is about a 30 minute drive).

Answer

I'm in Texas and paying that WITH insurance, in network, for just the standard visits, and 2 ultrasounds. I had an early scan so the 20wk scan isn't covered, nor extra visits for uti's or prob down the road. It was I think $3600 for normal vaginal OB services cash pay, and had to be paid in full by second visit. The insurance rate they let me have through the 7th month to pay off in installments. Hospital will be another chunk, so yes, I'm thinking we will hit the $5000 deductible and the out of pocket max. Just already planning and saving for that and if it somehow ended up less, happy surprise! If you can get on your company's insurance at least the most you will pay is the out of pocket max plus the $440/mo premium. I'm not sure you will qualify for financial assistance for the hospital if you don't qualify for other assistance. You could get a cash pay option possibly, but that usually requires payment in full and sometimes ahead of time for best estimate. 
The OB office should have a billing person you can talk to and discuss your options, assuming it's not too late to join your company's plan. Definitely call your parent's insurance and see if you can see another provider that is covered, and if there is any option for the hospital (and providers) to be in network since it is a distance issue for the reason you need to go between two states.  Keep detailed notes. 
It's really so expensive!!

Answer

If your insurance said they cover but the doctor is saying they do not i would find out which is correct. Perhaps the doctor or hospital you are going to doesn’t accept that particular insurance. Or is having your child in another state going to be an issues? I know Medicaid is state issued. It won’t cover you in another state. I have never heard of a health insurance not covering maternity care

Answer

U need to go on the marketplace and apply for insurance for ur self. Pregnancy will count as a life change and make u eligible for enrollment outside the normal open enrollment window. It helps a ton and is way cheaper than going without any insurance. Also most hospitals have an assistant program u can apply for after u get ur bill. They will either cut the cost or drop it depending on how much u make and owe.

I need help. What do I do?

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