Im six weeks pregnant and I just started my new job two weeks ago, I have no INS and I don't want to miss work to apply for Medi-Cal..is it safe to wait 3 months until my benefits kick in? or should I just pay the $150+..
2007-03-28 09:41:37 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
Depending on where you live, you may be able to receive some lower cost medical care including your first couple of prenatal appointments at your county health department. I too just recently changed jobs and in case of this same situation, I researched my options where I live.... the health department was the best option available to me, they usually charge people on a sliding fee scale based on your income, but regardless, it will be cheaper than paying out of pocket expenses to your OB, and they can do all the same initial testing your OB doctor would do. It's worth a shot! Good luck!
2007-03-28 10:06:52 · answer #1 · answered by TGill 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What about Healthy Families? You can fill out the application online and mail it in. Even if you do get insurance after the three months you will always have a back up just in case something happens to your job or whatever. I would apply just so that you can start going to the doctors... pick a doctor that is in your network [talk to other employees about their medical group and pick a physician who is contracted and who also accepts medi-cal or healthy families or whatever that way you don't have to switch physicians later on.] Good luck... and congratulations!
2007-03-28 09:47:11 · answer #2 · answered by Edith 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sometimes you can get reimbursed for health costs incurred before your insurance kicks in (between when you start working and when insurance coverage begins)...you just pay out of pocket and then submit later for reimbursement. I know my company does this. Talk to your HR dept.
If that's not the case, I, personally, would pay the out of pocket cost (ouch!!! I know!) for at least 1-2 prenatal vists before you hit 3 months. However, I also know how it feels to literally not have enough in the bank to go to the doctor (it has nothing to do with trying to save a dollar!). In which case...women have been having babies for literally thousands of years without prenatal care (and some woman don't even find out they're pregnant until a couple months along). You can probably safely make it to 3 months without a Dr. appt :)
Good luck!
2007-03-28 09:46:03 · answer #3 · answered by LittleRoo 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No don't wait 3 months to get prenatal care. Its too important for your health and that of the baby. Can you apply for medical over the Internet (many states allow this) or else pay for the visit out of pocket?
2007-03-28 09:45:23 · answer #4 · answered by EmLa 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It might suck, but you really need to start seeing a practitioner as soon as possible to ensure the health and safety of your child. Now is not the time to save a dollar. I say buy the cobra until your insurance kicks in. You will miss 2-3 appointments otherwise and not see a doctor until your second tri-mester!
2007-03-28 09:44:54 · answer #5 · answered by Mama Ro 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
go to wefare!!!! that's why they are there! your whole pregnancy will be covered. even the postpartum and u can be seen. the medicade will pay for it! just submit an application and they will schedule an appointment. your job or welfare can work around it. they usually schedule the appointment about a month after u submit the application. that should give u plenty of time to get that day off.
2007-03-28 09:46:43 · answer #6 · answered by i hate undies! 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It really all depends on what how you feel and how you can work, etc. If you feel good, then I would say stay at your job, until benefits kick in, or if you can apply for medical card, do that!
2007-03-28 09:44:42 · answer #7 · answered by Ashley_Nicole 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i would say it is safe. i didnt go to any prenatal doctor appointments until i was 5 months pregnant. all because i was waiting for my insurance
2007-03-28 10:06:12 · answer #8 · answered by HU4L 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋