Uninsured and Pregnant...and middle class (weeks, years, months, maternity)
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My wife is pregnant, I just started my job 6 months ago. She will get insurance in time for the hospital visit for the birth, actually a month prior. Problem: I make around 4K a month before taxes. Just bought a house, and believe it or not, just do not have THAT much left over each month. Is there a discount program, or some insurance that can be utilized for short term to bridge the gap. I went thru our 1st pregnancy about 9 years ago, and I know it takes quite a few visits, ultra sounds, nutrition doctor visits, and so on...any ideas other than good ol fashion going into debt? I think I make too much for medicade (what a joke), I know insurances companies shy away from preexisting situations. I already plan to save as much as I can each month, Im not looking for that advice, Im looking for advice on how to help with expenses.
We went through the whole pregnancy and birth without insurance. Call your doctor, they may offer special discounts for being self-pay and/ or paying ahead- we got a 33% discount for paying for all routine visits at the first appointment.
Not wanting to scare you, but there is a chance baby will arrive before the 36 weeks mark when your insurance kicks in, so have a back-up plan.
We went through the whole pregnancy and birth without insurance. Call your doctor, they may offer special discounts for being self-pay and/ or paying ahead- we got a 33% discount for paying for all routine visits at the first appointment.
Not wanting to scare you, but there is a chance baby will arrive before the 36 weeks mark when your insurance kicks in, so have a back-up plan.
LOL currently the back up plan is to stop spending ALL money other than utility bills, Mortgage, food and Gas...Other than that I have no back up plan. Ill check into discounts by haggling with the doctors offices. Fortunaly, their are hundreds of doctors to choose from, maybe competition will benefit me.
Have you considered a midwife? It's a personal decision, but it's much, much less expensive. It's typically only available for low risk pregnancies so I don't know if that's a problem. I have a few friends who have gone this route, and I plan to do the same even though we do have insurance.
Have you considered a midwife? It's a personal decision, but it's much, much less expensive. It's typically only available for low risk pregnancies so I don't know if that's a problem. I have a few friends who have gone this route, and I plan to do the same even though we do have insurance.
well, we will be well insured for the actual birth, its all the stuff before. Midwives are not really an alternative..its a personal choice, but my wife will be 40, and there are higher chances of problems. Also, there are no pain meds with mid wives if I am not mistaken.
Yes, this is a debate in the parenting/pregnancy forum. I am not a fan of the current birthing system in hospitals. I don't know what to tell you about the other stuff. It's optional - ultrasounds, etc - so you might need to opt out, if you can't afford it. You got good advice about checking with the doctors to find out about discounts for the uninsured. Good luck.
Contact your local human services office. It is my understanding that the limits for income are higher when trying to qualify for medical coverage for prenatal care (the theory being that paying for 9 months of routine medical care is cheaper for the state than possibly paying for a baby for a lifetime who is born with problems because of a lack of prenatal care).
It's worth a try - the worst they can do is tell you "no".
You should qualify for some assistance. Look at your state programs. I know in the state of of MI they offer such a program and then a discounted program for children.
well, we will be well insured for the actual birth, its all the stuff before. Midwives are not really an alternative..its a personal choice, but my wife will be 40, and there are higher chances of problems. Also, there are no pain meds with mid wives if I am not mistaken.
If you plan a hospital birth with a midwife pain meds are available.
Check with your state Dept of Human Services. I've lived in 2 states that provided maternity coverage that based on salary...you would qualify for. The limit increases for each child already in your home. Good luck!
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