Should I skip an appointment?

Question

I had my monthly OB appointment on Monday August 6th. Everything was great. I am 20 weeks today. I have my next appointment on September 5th. The thing is my husband just accepted a new job today and our benefits will not start until November 1st. I thought about paying for the September appointment out of pocket, but no one can give me an answer on how much it is going to cost. I got a range of $99-$300. I can't afford this. I thought about just skipping my September appointment until my new insurance is in effect. Any thoughts?

My husband is trying to contact HR at his current job to see if he can use PTO to extend his insurance benefit time.

Answer 1

That's good that your husband is checking into that, and did you know you can also extend your coverage as a private holder as well? You don't necessarily have to have the company as a sponsor - you can buy it privately. It's usually more expensive, but just buy it on a monthly basis, then drop it when your new insurance kicks in.
Also, make sure that the new insurance does not deem pregnancy as a "pre-existing condition." Most policies don't, but a lot won't pro-rate, or offer retro-active coverage at the time the insurance kicks in, so there could be a lot of head-ache involved in making sure everything is covered, even if you skip an appt.
But, I wouldn't think there'd be a problem with skipping an appt. Just make sure you notify your doctor!
Good luck, and congrats!

Answer 2

You are eligible to continue your current coverage through COBRA (it's the law) but you would pay full price for the monthly premium and it would likely cost more than one doctors visit. It would be the same exact insurance you have now. If the new ins. isn't starting until Nov. though, you're going to have another appointment in October, which if my math is correct will be your 28th week appt. They generally do the 1-hour glucose test, antibody testing and a rhogam shot ~ this one you can't skip and can be quite costly if you don't have insurance. So consider that before you let your current ins. go.

There should be someone at your doctors office that can give you a straight answer on the cost of the appointment, that's a pretty broad range. I would call back and ask for the head bookkeeper and see if you can get a definate answer on the cost (don't be afraid to ask ~ they will often discount the cost when you are uninsured). Then make your decision. It's hard to say if you should just skip the appointment they'll likely just weigh you, take blood pressure, measure your belly and send you on your way but your next appointment will be vital.

I see that others suggested applying for Medicaid, which of course is an option, but it does however take about two months to process your application. You would be in limbo with that not knowing if you were going to be approved or not.

Good Luck!

***EDIT*** Have your husband check to see when you current insurance ends. You should be covered until the end of August anyway if he gave his notice today. Maybe you could move your appointment up to before the cut-off date.

Answer 3

I don't know what type of benefits your husbands previous insurance provided but I know that where I am from you can go on COBRA which is basically a different form of insurance that you pay for but it is for the transition from one insurance to another. I would contact the insurance provider and see what options they may have available to you. Also, is there any chance that his insurance for next month is already paid for and his coverage will extend into next month? This is also something that the insurance company could tell you. Finally, if nothing else works, call the clinic that you go to and see if it is possible to make payment arrangements. You are at the stage where they do gestational diabetes testing, and it such a great assurance to go in for those appointments just to hear the heartbeat and such...I would definitely try to see if there is something that you can do to still make the appointment. Good luck to you!

Answer 4

Don't skip an appointment, but there are options. Hopefully he can keep his benefits for a while. You should call your doctors office and tell them the situation, maybe they can see you right before benefits run out and then again right after they kick back in. You can apply for state assitstance, or ask to do a payment on this one visit. Your monthly appointment is important, but discussing this with your doctor would be the best first step. Good Luck

Answer 5

If things seem to be alright it wouldn't hurt, but you can't skip your 28th week appt. That is when they check for gestational diabetes and it is an important appointment. On the other hand, if something is wrong and they don't have a chance to catch it at your appt cuz you didn't go, then you will be paying ER bills which are much more than $300. So you and your husband need to decide how vital these check-ups may be.

Answer 6

what about the cobra insurance (where he pays so much out of pocket )to keep the insurance till his new insurance kicks in most companies offer this option otherwise id skip the appointment but that's totally up to you that's just about 3 months without seeing a doc (look into the cobra insurance) i would feel better with that good luck on the baby and congratulations

Answer 7

I'd try explaining the situation with your old OBGYN to them, maybe they'll understand. If not than I suggest you try and find a new OBGYN asap. And see if you can go for a visit to the new doc asap, even if they don't have your records yet. OBGYN's get sued so easily now days they can't afford to take some patients because they're insurance rates would sky rocket, but just because your current OBGYN is thinking that way doesn't mean they all will. You should still be able to find a new one.

Answer 8

Congrats to you!! I am also 20w today!! I would talk it over with your OB, give them a call and explain the situation. I also agree with the other answers about applying for state medical ins. You can usually find an application on your states website (usually your state.gov). If you dont qualify for that, then maybe your OB can work out a payment plan with you for that appt if she does not advise skipping. I would not make this decison without consulting your OB first tho. Remmeber its not just your life anymore. Good Luck!!

Answer 9

talk to your doc and see what they van do, see if you may qualify for pregnancy medicaid for at least 2 months, thats what i would look into. Or if you dont qualify see if you can have your old insurance cover you under the cercumstances for another month or tow....i ve heard of some women doing that. There are options, i would realyl lok tino the docs and see what they say, skipping an appointment may nto be the way to go. Good luck...hope somethign works out.

Answer 10

well yeah if you cant afford that and you already called to see how much its going to cost and that the range they are giving you, dont go, unless they accept payments. Although November is a long time from now, what if you have an emergency or have questions? Call your ob office and see if they can work with you.