Cost to have a baby?

Question

I'm self employed and can't seem to get maternity coverage with anyone. Any idea how much I'm looking at for the pregnancy and delivery costs? I'm certain I won't be covered and would not dream of applying for Medicaid (the government) assistance. You'd think Medicaid would offer an insurance plan, but if they do, I certainly haven't been able to find it.

Answer 1

I'm in NorCal and a normal neonatal care pregnancy w/ vaginal delivery w/ epidural and two nights' stay in hospital (healthy baby) was a little over $12k total. We had a jaundiced baby and one additional night at hospital (additional $5k). Quote for c-sec with no complications was $17k. Note that those prices are for the uninsured. We had Blue Cross, who only pays 40% of those numbers as their BC "negotiated" price for the exact same services. Which is a criminal rip-off for the consumer.

Because of that, you have GOT to go find insurance or assistance. Forget state assistance, though - it's basically for people so broke they're on the street or in a shelter. Instead, get on the phone to your local OB/GYNs, medical clinics and birthing centers. They'll be the fastest and best way to real infomation on how to get help with the financial portion of this.

Good luck - and don't let the financials detract from your pregnancy and childbirth. On reflection I would have sold my house, my retirement and all of my possessions to have my little girl.

Answer 2

Why would you "not dream of applying for Medicaid"? Medicaid is something that was put into place to help people. When I got pregnant 13 years ago I was working at an automobile dealership that did not have insurance. I used Medicaid to pay the hospital bill and the nursery bill. I paid my own OB/ GYN to see me during the pregnancy and deliver the baby. It was $2000.00 paid by the 7th month. I do not feel in any way that I am not a good person for utilizing Medicaid. I feel like I was smart. Maybe you should reconsider. You will need the money for other things when the baby gets here.

There are people here saying that you would not qualify for Medicaid, that you have to be pretty poor. That is not true! In Texas being pregnant with out insurance would qualify you. It is not just a bunch of low life scum that get on Medicaid. Some times good, honest, working people need help!

Answer 3

My husband and I had the same issue--he owns his own business so we have to buy our own insurance. Originally we had Blue Shield which had a $5000 maternity deductible and a one year before delivery clause. We also would not have qualified for Medicaid. I ended up re-enrolling at a local university that didn't have a preexisting condition clause with the student health insurance. Where you live seems to have an impact on costs, but I just gave birth 3 months ago in Idaho and here's how ours broke down (I had a c-section):
Doc's costs--$3700 (included all doc visits and delivery services as well as post delivery checkups at 2 and 6 weeks, but not labs or ultrasounds)
Ultrasounds--$1300 (2 limited, 1 thourough)
Hospital Costs for me--$6500
Hospital Costs for baby--$1100
Additional doc at surgery--$1300
Anethesiologist--$1600
Blood tests, labs, etc.--$400

Even with insurance we shelled out $4000 out of pocket.

Answer 4

First of all - Most likely you do not qualify for medicaid - You have to be pretty poor to get it. But if you did qualify, there is no harm whatsoever in getting federal or state aid! That is what it is there for! (Its NOT for people to abuse and stay on forever like people think).

There are a couple of things you can apply for that will help with the costs. I think its called Maternity Card or something like that.

I dont know where these people are getting 3K figures. From what I have seen, it costs way more, and especially if you have even the slightest complication. Plus, prenatal care! My ultrasound alone cost 850.00.

Good luck.

Answer 5

Don't know for a regular pregnancy delivery. Our bill (insurance paid) was $119K for me, $192K for baby 1 and $392K for baby two. Hope you don't have twins or premature babies that have to go to the NICU or that you are going to have a c-section. Paying for this on your own will cost more than what nornal people have laying around. If you want hospital debt forever I guess go ahead and have a baby without insurance. I would never dream about it. Go to the hospital and ask if there is any insurance plans they know of that may cover you in this situation.

Answer 6

Hey, Before i found out i was pregnant i had geisinger insurance. it does cover pregnancy... NOT 100% but it is a pretty decent plan if you have no insurance at all. I was payin 244$ per month and pretty much when it was al said and done i had to pay no more than $3,000.00 for everything included for the birth. Not bad considering it could cost anywhere up to 30,000 with no ins. And then i had a 500 deductable for things like ultrasounds and whatever whatever.... trust me ull reach that deductable fast lol.... and then they cover 100%. The plan was good if you have no ins but i dropped it b/c it wasnt good enough.... i opted for my hubbys ins and now have 100% coverage from Blue cross blue shield.... anywhooo u can go to http://www.thehealthplan.com/
good luck!!!

Answer 7

A "normal" delivery will run about $5,000. Other expenses include routine Dr. visits before you give birth and any complications (c-section, an extra time in the hospital, if the baby is premature, etc.) Good luck, I'd keep trying to find insurance if I were you because one small complication could REALLY cost you!

Answer 8

medicaid will cover the costs of pregnancy and anything baby related, including delivery if you qualify.

You're looking at about $3000 for prenatal care and about $3000 for the hospital if you have a vaginal delivery, probably about $8000 for a C-Section, depending on how long you're in the hospital

Answer 9

I was only in the Hospital for 2 nights (the baby 1 night) My Hospital bill was $9,000 for me and don't forget about the baby they charge them seperate $1500 for my daughter and it goes up f you have a boy because of the circumcision....for your looking at $10,000 I would say apply for coverage and pay out of pocket but.....its probably a pre-exsiting condition and they wont cover it. Go to a clinic and see if they can help. My friend had everything covered just by going to a clinic for ALL her prenatal work-ups

Answer 10

Medicaid ought to accept you at least on a co-pay plan. Depends on how much money you bring in.
I had no insurance last time and between both me and the baby I have a bill close to 3k.