For all my joking last week about chewing up my birth control pills, Mike and I DO want another kid. Ideally that would be sometime next year. Being October already, I started looking into making appointments with my medical “team” to make sure everything is up to snuff with the ole’ baby maker.
I have different health insurance since Annabel was born, so I went on my provider’s website to confirm all my doctors were covered. And they are, so yay! I mentioned that to Mike, and he said, “Wait…so Dr. Risky is covered for pre-appointments, but not once you’re pregnant?”
UGH. I had forgotten that I didn’t have maternity coverage.
I called up my insurance provider to find out how to add maternity. After being transferred LITERALLY seven times, I was finally told that the state of California doesn’t require insurance providers to offer maternity coverage…so they don’t.
From a business standpoint, I totally get it. A limited number of the population needs it, and it’s costly and blah blah blah. If I was an insurance company I wouldn’t want to provide maternity if I didn’t have to. It’s just such a bummer that our insurance doesn’t offer it to begin with – I’ve never had health insurance that didn’t include a maternity option.
We’re not sure what our next move should be. Other than switching to a job with a better insurance plan (which isn’t exactly easy these days, either), we don’t really know what our options are. Paying out-of-pocket for a pregnancy would be…expensive. Is another child worth all the money it would cost to bring him or her here? Yes, and no. Yes, for obvious reasons. No because we’re not going to go into debt to the detriment of Annabel.
A lot of people say they aren’t getting pregnant because they can’t afford a baby. We can afford the baby, but without insurance we can’t afford the pregnancy. I’m googling and calling and emailing and trying to leave no stone unturned, but I’m kind of off my game. I was mentally prepared for the long road of pregnancy, but I wasn’t prepared for this detour. Le sigh.
Leah says:
That’s a really crappy state of affairs I hope you have a breakthrough in your insurance research, I imagine it’s a pin in any bubble of excitement about it all.
Heather says:
Well, you could always move to Canada.
Seriously, I can’t imagine a world where I didn’t have health insurance. It’s not a perfect system, but after the cancer during my first pregnancy and subsequent loss of that baby I cannot imagine what my premiums would look like.
I hope you guys find something soon, this is a really horrible road block.
J+1 says:
If you have a policy separate from Mike’s, are you able to go on Mike’s during his open enrollment period? Of course, if you’re already on his, that’s a moot point. (Though I’d be surprised if a company’s insurance excluded pregnancy– I’ve seen that in individual policies, but not often in policies provided by larger employers.) Even if his coverage is way more expensive, that’d balance out with the maternity costs.
Good luck with this.
Christina says:
I believe AFLAC has some options. I had coverage for my second because we knew in advance we’d have another premature baby. The policy has to be in effect for an entire 10 months BEFORE delivery. Hope that helps!
Susan says:
I would definitely check on AFLAC. You might also check on getting an individual policy for just yourself that does include maternity benefits. Medica Solo is a pretty good one but I don’t know about their maternity coverage. I also believe that Blue Cross/Blue Shield has some good individual policies out there. Covering just yourself could be pretty inexpensive but I’m basing that statement on the prices that we were quoted up here in Minnesota back in 2009. Cali may be higher. Good luck.
Susan in MN
Kris says:
That reasoning about it only affecting a limited population doesn’t hold water. There are very few things that are covered by health insurance that are universally needed by everyone (so to speak).
I would be concerned down the road with what is going to happen when babies are born because their moms couldn’t afford to pay for basic prenatal care. I’m sure that in many cases, it will be fine, but it might end up costing more in the post-natal care that some babies might receive.
Louise says:
For what it’s worth, we had two kids without maternity insurance. Hospitals and doctors charge much more for insured patients than uninsured. We had to juggle the finances a bit, but within a year of our second daughter’s birth, we were free from that debt.
So it is possible. But still not fun trying to figure it all out. Good luck, and I hope you find the path that works for you.
Lissa says:
Hmm…not so sure about that. I have found it to be the opposite actually. Yes, when uninsured you MAY qualify for some sliding scale plans at SOME hospitals/doctors, but not all. And not guaranteed. Insurance companies have contracts and agreements with providers that the provider can only charge standard fees. I mean, the providers can “charge” whatever they want, but when it goes to insurance, that charge is adjusted according to the insurance/provider agreement. Then insurance covers whatever portion is in your plan and the provider bills you for the rest. When I was in the hospital for some stitches, my insurance didn’t actually pay for anything (I had a pretty high deductible), but simply because all the charges went through insurance and got adjusted, I paid half of what I would have paid if I had been uninsured.
As for Heather and Mike just going for it uninsured and being able to pay it off within any reasonable timeframe……..did you read this blog through the pregnancy with Annie? Heather is no “average” pregnancy…..I would hate to even contemplate the moola involved in the advanced levels of monitoring, ultrasounds, meds, and checkups!
Louise says:
I’m afraid I didn’t do my research on the blog before commenting – oops.
I do know, though, that our two children were born in two different states, two completely different types of care (traditional hospital and doctors with one, and midwife group and birthing center with the other), and for both, across the board, no matter what it was, they slashed costs for being uninsured. Again, though, ours were uneventful pregnancies, so I’m not sure how that would work for a high-risk pregnancy. I should have paid attention to that for the first comment!
Jeanie says:
I think in some cases you have to know to ask, too. That is, some care providers will send you a huge bill, and if you just pay it all, that’s great for them! But if you go to them, tell them you’re uninsured, and ask for a reduction, they’ll be able to do that.
Margaret says:
Oh no! I have no advice for you (don’t live in California and have insurance with maternity benefits). But seriously, how does only a limited population HAVE KIDS. Kids are our FUTURE. Just wanted to offer virtual hugs and hope you figure it out soon!
Jody says:
What about the state program for pregnant women? It’s called AIM, and your eligibility is determined by the deductible your health-insurance company has for maternity coverage (if there’s no maternity coverage, then my guess is you qualify!) and your monthly household income, which for a family of four (the pregnant woman counts as two) is something like $3500-$5200 a month.
Or you can wait until next July 1st, when the new state law requires all individual policies to include maternity coverage:
http://bit.ly/nxXucr
In your shoes, I’d try AIM first. But you can’t apply until after you get pregnant.
It really sucks that you have to deal with this. Ugh.
Melissa says:
Did you just say the PREMIUMS were 3500 – 5200 a MONTH?!?! OY VEY! That is insane. I couldn’t imagine…
Jody says:
No, it’s not premiums. To qualify for the program, you have to have income of 3500-5200 a month (maximum, depending on household size). I’m not sure there even are premiums for AIM.
Mikki says:
State coverage is usually easy to qualify for for maternity. Goto the state website.
Kat says:
agree 110%!!! Pregnant women usually have VERY high income limits and no asset limit for medicaid and while it may not be the best option or the one that you would normally choose, you have basically been painted to the corner of needing to do that if you have to! I would if had to as well and you’d be surprised to find many people won’t judge your for it… you pay taxes too! Good luck in your search!!
Allison Y. says:
Nope, the limits are pretty darn low, even if you are pregnant. You have to be in poverty in California to get state assistance.
Marcilyn says:
But there is a program called medically needy which will kick in after you pay x amount out of pocket. Heather would almost definitely meet whatever limit they set most months of her high risk pregnancies.
mccgoods says:
That stinks. We have insurance but probably can’t afford a baby something that I think has gone around and around in my mind.
amourningmom says:
Have you looked into Blue cross/blue shield and united healthcare? Insurance companies are so tough these days. I hope you an Mike can find one that covers maternity. Take care.
Gertie says:
http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D9Q7J4EO0.htm
Does this help you?
Cayenne says:
Thanks for posting this!
Kalen says:
WOW.
In my opinion, the lack of prenatal care would end up being more costly than just providing coverage???? Lack of prenatal can cause all sorts of long-term health issues.
Lisa says:
Ugh, that stinks. I hope things fall into place for you guys. Dealing with insurance garbage when all you want to do is get down to baby making just stinks.
Dregina says:
The barrier for you to find a policy to purchase is going to be your pre-existing conditions, but I think that one of the changes that is coming along with health care reform is that you can’t be turned away due to pre-existing conditions anymore. Not sure when that protection goes into effect, but you should at least be able to buy a policy by 2014 at the very latest. Oh, and awfully nice of you to understand why pregnancy isn’t covered – if I were in your shoes, I’d be furious. Accidental pregnancies happen the same way every other kind of accident can happen. What on Earth are women who are already pregnant supposed to do with a policy like that? It’s pretty capricious for a health insurance comapny to say they’ll cover the cost of someone getting in say, a car accident, but not a pregnancy. Both are medical events that may or may not be within someone’s control to prevent.
Susan C. says:
I’m going to get cursed, lectured, etc. but let me be the first to throw out some unpopular statements as I’ve been in the regulatory side of health insurance for 20 years. It is not medically necessary for any woman to have a child. Insurance companies will automatically cover a child when born. The costs of maternity coverage are quite significant and, when given the option, carriers don’t want to offer it. Why? Because women will buy the optional coverage, wait a month, get pregnant, and then drop the coverage after the baby is born. This is called anti-selection – the practice of buying insurance for a specific need and then cancelling it when the need is met. Carriers can’t always get enough in premiums during the 10-12 months to cover the costs incurred for that pregnancy.
Why is that a concern? Because those costs have to be spread among the group, or the insurers lose a lot of money. Big deal, you say? Most insurers are still for-profit businesses and entitled to at least break even or make a profit. No one wants to lose money. How much harder would it be for you to get health care if you didn’t have health insurance?
With that said, Heather and Mike, I hope you find an option that works for you.
Heather says:
Oh, I totally agree Susan – like I said, if I was an insurance provider, I wouldn’t want to offer Maternity coverage either.
Paula says:
I’m not 100% sure about this…..but I once thought that my cousin had taken out an insurance policy – that she gets a payment when the baby is born? I am not sure exactly what it was, but maybe something like this:
To congratulate you on becoming a mother and to share the exuberant joy with you, Lady Protector Insurance Plan is delighted to present you with a new-born baby bonus. After your policy has been in effect for a year, your first two new-born babies will each be entitled to a baby bonus equivalent to 1% of your basic sum insured.
This might be a COMPLETE stretch – but if you are exploring all options you might check into this. I had never heard of this before. GOOD LUCK!!!!!
Heather says:
Oh yeah, a “limited” amount of the population; just half! All women are at risk for pregnancy just like all men are at risk for morning wood. Stupid frickin insurance companies.
Kirsten says:
What about government/state health care? It’s a good alternative for those who can’t afford medical aid. In south africa our government hospitals don’t have as much as the private hospitals but since you’re in a first-world country it must be better, right?
Kelly says:
Have you looked into this? The income guidelines were pretty generous, up to 5K a month! Yowza! It looks like it would be great for someone like you with a complicated medical history. http://www.aim.ca.gov/Home/default.aspx
Sara says:
Hi Heather, Maybe others have mentioned this, but the Governor recently signed a maternity coverage bill. I’m not sure of all of the details, but it looks like it requires all individual insurance plans to include maternity coverage. http://www.californiahealthline.org/articles/2011/10/7/governor-signs-legislation-on-maternity-coverage-food-stamps.aspx
Angie says:
This takes effect July 2012.
DefendUSA says:
My thoughts off the cuff…Find out what insurance companies actually DO pay the OB-Gyn for an entire pregnancy. I look at it like this…if a single office visit costs me 55 out of pocket, as it’s just a check up…add that up per month until the 34th week…then you can go out on the net and find the actual cost of the normal sonograms. Somewhere around 250 here, or perhaps the OB could throw in one or two as long as things are progressing nicely…As for the PFP, GTT, I am sure the insurance would cover labs. Then you have the hospital costs. Not sure about this kind of thing, but you can do a payment plan without a doubt. And you benefit if you can save to put some of the cash down…
I know, you have complicated stuff, but it cannot hurt to check all of this out. Bit by bit, you could put the money aside and not be completely saddled at once…just some random thoughts.
DefendUSA says:
PS…the new Obama care forces even single men to pay for Maternity coverage, so you actually might make the grade…I would check again…
mm says:
single men create babies, too. women pay premiums which go towards prostate cancer treatment. people who don’t have diabetes pay premiums which support people who do. I don’t know if your comment was meant to be as snarky as it comes off being, but if so it’s silly and destructive logic.
caroline says:
Try state insurance/Medicaid-usually pregnancy allows you to qualify regardless of income, but make sure your doctors will take any state insurance.
heather says:
Doesn’t Blue Cross offer an individual plan? Also have you asked Dr. Risky, she might know of a solution or insurance provider.
Jennifer says:
Its really disgusting to me that someone like you has to be worried about health coverage but someone who.. well… they get it for free and don’t even bother worrying about it. I’m so sorry. I’d see if you can get on state coverage for that. You are a tax payer. How ridiculous!
Noelle says:
I am glad someone else said this.
Becki says:
The detriment to Annie is no sibling.
(Of course if it ends up that way, life WILL be fine, just that for her it would be better with the sibling.)
She can work for her own college (Suzy Ormant even says that)
God willing, another child is worth more than the extras Annie would miss.
We made that mistake and wish we hadnt.
And if you are really thinking along those lines for Annie, remember: SOMEDAY you and Mike will be in the reverse position of RECEIVING care and assistance from Annie and it will be much easier for her and much more stress free and comforting to have a sibling to share the load .. .
sue says:
Wow – being an only child is not that bad. Personally I’d be ticked off of I knew my parents brought me into the world to provide an existing child with a sibling or to be a caregiver for my parents in their old age!
AmazingGreis says:
I hate this for you! I’m crossing my fingers (and my toes) that you’re able to find coverage for a pregnancy.
It’s too bad I can’t add you to my plan, cause I totally would, since I won’t be using the coverage any time soon!
Liz says:
We recently moved back to CA and had to get new insurance. We have Blue Shield of CA and picked a plan with them because it does offer maternity. We’re not trying to have another baby but got it just in case.
Perhaps try to contact an insurance rep? They will be able to help you sort through plans that have maternity coverage (from what I saw, there aren’t many but they do exist.)
Good luck!
Kristin says:
I had no idea that insurance companies could NOT provide maternity care. I guess I am lucky enough to have great insurance coverage, so paying for maternity care and the delivery where not even a factor in deciding to have children. (Federal insurance – Babies were FREE) It really stinks that you have to face this decision. Hoping it works out for you all the way its supposed to.
Amanda says:
All of those so fond of you and so familiar with your journey, ache for you, but are so grateful you are making sure you and that baby will have every little thing you need.
Rachel says:
I think someone may have mentioned it, but it looks like California insurance companies may be mandated to include maternity coverage. I feel your pain – I was in the same boat earlier this year and we lucked out because the Hubs found a new job. Here’s an article about it from the LA Times. http://articles.latimes.com/2011/oct/01/local/la-me-maternity-20111001
Kelly says:
It is amazing to me how much insurance has changed over the last few years. I hope that you are able to find something that works for you soon, so you can get back on the baby making wagon.
Tina says:
I don’t know what you can do but I’m also not sure what you mean by maternity isn’t covered? I had my daughter 21 years ago, I was a high risk pregnancy put on bed rest. My work simply stated if I couldn’t work I was gone. I was denied unemployment because I was pregnant and if I had kept my job I could take 8 weeks off unpaid. Of course none of this mattered when I was put on bed rest at 8 weeks for the entire pregnancy. I did have m pregnancy covered by my husband’s policy but nothing else. Nor did anyone else it was the same thing if you worked you could take 8 weeks off unpaid that is it. So what am I missing by the term maternity insurance? Was this hard and difficult and expensive you bet it was none of which we were prepared for when you have a child its part of life. We struggled to pay our mortgage and get everything we needed for the baby on one salary. My husband and mother had to take over all the household stuff while I was on full bed rest. I was shut down at every avenue I turned can’t work, your gone, can’t get unemployment because pregnancy doesn’t count. It wasn’t how we pictured having kids but we did it some how and managed to do it again when I became pregnant with my son 14 months later. Again bed rest . I will also say I didn’t expect to get pregnant with my son. To get pregnant with my daughter it took 5 miscarriages, one stillborn and 3 ivfs, and years of fertility treatments all not covered by my insurance. If not for my in laws I wouldn’t have my daughter because at some point even when you know infertilty isn’t covered and you save its never enough and it became a choice do we try again and borrow from my in laws or give up and go back to the adoption route. We took the chance and got pregnant on our third try but again back then no in infertility treatments were covered. So I will say I hope my daughter never goes through what I did or have to start in debt because thank god some jobs cover infertility now but there was a time they didn’t and I’m from that time and we did it how I do not know. I will say my daughter was born with an esophagus problem so I thank god I had coverage for that but those 14 months were test after test, trying to diagnosis her, watching her loose weight, crying 24/7 so never did it enter my mind that I would get pregnant on my own but that it would happen so close but it did and we did survive. Just barely but we did. I guess I’m saying I’m just amazed at what is covered now compared to what was then and I’ll ask again what is maternity insurance? That being said I love your blog your family and I hope you get your wish to add another member to the family. I read these blogs and I’m amazed because I swear there were days I didn’t think I would survive mother hood and my daughters illness and would have killed to have the connection you can find on the internet to talk about it all of it, the infertility, the miscarriages, losing my daughter at nine months all of it would have been much easier knowing at the end of my fingertips there were others dealing with the same things.
Lissa says:
Tina~
Maternity insurance is an area within a regular health insurance. Pregnancy and pregnancy related care/complications are a coverage within a policy. And as such a specific coverage area, a policy can set different compensation limits or exclude pregnancy-related care entirely. Just like some insurance plans don’t cover vision, or dental, or transplants, or prescriptions.
Bria says:
That totally sucks, Heather. I’m American but I live in England and went through pregnancy and childbirth under the NHS. It’s not a perfect system but it did allow me to have a child without paying out of my own pocket (other than taxes…but you know what I mean) or go into debt. I hope you find some coverage soon. x
Allison Y. says:
I’ve been looking into my options as well. Blue Cross/Anthem quoted me $330/month for an individual plan just for myself that covers maternity. They only had ONE option that included maternity.
Thanks to those who posted those links above though – looks like things will improve in California in January when those laws take effect. I want to have another baby but maybe I’ll wait until then. My only concern is what if I get pregnant sooner by accident? Since Obamacare hasn’t taken affect most would then consider it a pre-existing condition and wouldn’t cover me.
Anyway, if you want coverage now, look into quotes for individual plans from Blue Cross and Kaiser.
Laurie says:
No maternity coverage? I am gobsmacked. That is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard.
I hope you find a solution to this nonsense quickly and can get started on expanding your family.
Melissa says:
My insurance didn’t offer maternity, but the costs I incurred during the pregnancy contributed to our deductible. So, once we hit 4K, everything else was covered. Do you not have an annual deductible plan?
Kay says:
Heather,
I am a long time follower (lurker) on your blog. I work in the insurance industry (not medical, however) and found an interesting article in my email box at work. A very timely article concerning your circumstances.
For information, please Google: California Senate Bill 222, Senate bill 299 and Assembly bill 210. All of these bills are to go into effect 1/1/12.
Good luck…….
Kay
Grace says:
I’m from the UK and while I’m aware of the healthcare system in the US, I’m still shocked by it every time I hear about it. The idea that you’d not only have to pay for your pregnancy but pay even more for a difficult one just seems insane to me! Seems like you’d be better off moving over here for the nine months and getting free healthcare =]
Anyway, I wish you the best of luck!
Becca_Masters says:
That really sucks!
Like Grace, I’m from the UK, where healthcare is free (for now) despite that I can’t actually afford to have a baby, as much as i’d love to.
Whilst pregnant I’d get decent healthcare, pre-natal appointments and care, ultrasounds, lab work, plus the delivery etc, along with free dental and any prescription meds, up to 12 months after the birth.
work would pay my maternity leave for up to 12 months. despite that the cost of living over here means that I wouldn’t be able to afford a crib, or a push-chair. We would struggle to survive whilst buying diapers and god forbid my body won’t allow me to breastfeed, formula is EXPENSIVE!
My cousin lives in the Cayman Islands and she is 8 weeks away from having her second child. I have no idea how she affords it. Her insurance covers 80% of her pre-natal care and the birth. over there you have to pay for the birth of your kid. the mind boggles.
TracyKM says:
You don’t “need” a stroller, or a crib, or disposible diapers, and there are even sources for breastmilk if you’re one of the 10% that can’t breastfeed. I’m in Canada, so we have all the medical aspects covered (except dental and prescriptions and some testing), but we are also on a tight, tight budget. Babywearing, co-sleeping, cloth diapering and Freecycle have been GODSENDS. And, I think I’m a better parent because of it. There is so much marketed towards new parents that they just don’t need (or, at least, don’t need to buy new). Sometimes simple is more than cheaper.
Becca_Masters says:
I wasn’t saying that I needed it, mainly that I can’t afford it.
Even if it was bought second hand.
There are months when we can’t afford to eat because bills take all our money, so god knows how we would even begin to finance a baby any time soon.
that said, once we do have kids, I don’t think I could go without a stroller or a crib. a crib because I barely get space in my own bed with my husband and his bed hogging, and i’d be too afraid to crush my baby.
and the stroller, because my back isn’t strong enough to carry anything for any more than 10 minutes.
But again I probably wouldn’t buy those brand new, or at least if I did I would shop around. I agree with what you say regards to freeserve cause it’s a godsend. when we moved we managed to get our sofa that way, because we couldn’t afford a brand new one.
i like the idea of cloth diapering, but it’s something i’d have to look into and discuss with the husband. although i’m sure he’ll find ways to get out of diaper changing anyway. ha ha
being a parent is expensive despite the money saving schemes out there and a small part of me is dreading it, but mainly I can’t wait to have kids.
GreenInOC says:
Just saw that these bills were signed into law today in California:
Maternity: Related bills to require insurers issuing individual policies to include maternity coverage as of July 1. SB 222 and AB 210.
Maternity: Prohibits employers from refusing to provide and pay for maternity care under group insurance plans. SB 299.
From this article:
http://healthland.time.com/2011/10/10/california-bans-teens-from-tanning-salons-plus-other-new-laws/#ixzz1aOy3XdJH
Me... says:
This is what bothers me the most about insurances, maternity and all the stuff we have to go thru: if you’re an illegal alien in this country, things go TOTALLY SMOOTH for you. I’m serious. You have maternity coverage, you have health insurance for your child, if you get to be on bed rest everything is covered for you.
NOW- if you’re a citizen, a legal resident or whatever, that doesn’t happen for you.
WHY????
I’m very VERY frustrated at the moment coz I’m a legal resident (after being a non-legal resident for MANY years!) and I can’t get a freaking doctor to see me because of my insurance. Oh no… you have that insurance, you can’t see the doctor.
I kept telling everybody this country is totally f-d up in this health system… where a legal person, a citizen can’t actually get maternity care but an alien (or someone who just come as ‘visitors’ for 9 months) can.
PS> I’m REALLY frustrated today.
Dregina says:
Fact check: Illegal immigrants can get emergency care through Medicaid, the federal-state program for the poor and people with disabilities. But they can’t get non-emergency care unless they pay. They are ineligible for most other public benefits. And states are rapidly passing laws to close off even emergency care to non-citizens. I work with uninsured cancer patients – trust me, citizens are much better off than non-citizens. Not that they have many options either.
Jessica says:
How terrible that this could prevent so many from adding to their families. Such a shame that insurance companies limit us this way. When we were going through fertility treatments it was the same. I knew we could afford it once but never again and so many can’t afford it at all.
Heli says:
What about just leveling with your doc’s office? Explain to them the circumstance. It would be such a tragedy if the makeup of your family was determined by insurance or lack thereof. That being said, I completely understand and sympathize with your concerns. Good luck!
Jewl says:
This is just garbage! How can they do that?!! I do have one idea, however. A neighbor had the same issue (But no insurance at all) and decided to call the hospital. Turns out they will work out deals with uninsured/underinsured people for babies. She paid them payments every month of her pregnancy and it was paid off when baby got here. They worked a decent deal too, worth a shot. What a broken system we have!! GRRRR
SaraB says:
Heather, I’m not sure if this would be an option for you, since you have had high-risk pregnancies before, but could you look into going with a midwife and having your birth at a birthing center? We had our 2nd child at a birthing center with a licensed midwife and we were asked to pay for all expenses up front, but it was only $3600 and included postnatal care up to 6 weeks as well.
Like I said, not sure that is an option for you, but I thought I’d throw it out there. Wishing you and Mike the best.
Holly says:
I had the same thought. And then the same concern. Birthing centers / midwives are much cheaper (though they can be harder to find). This is a great option for people who are having an uncomplicated pregnancy. I know a number of women WITH insurance who still found it cheaper to go this route.
SaraB says:
Yes, fortunately we have insurance that covers maternity (I live in Idaho) but it was definitely cheaper to go the midwife route.
Lilly says:
This is not okay.
VSD says:
I’m a long time lurker on your blog and am sorry not to have posted before! It sounds like you will soon have some good options in CA, but for those elsewhere, I wanted to share this info. If you have insurance through your employer, and your employer is covered by the federal civil rights law (most are, except for small businesses), then it is considered illegal gender discrimination for them not to offer an insurance plan that covers maternity services (and birth control for that matter). While insurance companies don’t have to provide maternity coverage, an employer does. A call to HR will usually help get things resolved. I know no one wants to accuse their employer of gender discrimination, but it may be the only way for some people to get coverage. More info is available here http://www.eeoc.gov/facts/fs-preg.html. Good luck!
twingles says:
do either of you have a way to get into any association that might offer benefits? My DH sells health insurance and he handles a program for a State Bar Association. But there are literally hundreds of associations. Maybe one of you belongs to a writer’s guild or something?
Maybe your doctors can be of some assistance….they must know who insures pregnant people or they’d be out of business.
Abby says:
My dr stopped accepting any insurance when I was pregnant with my secOnd child. Many Drs in NYC dOnt accept insurance because the insurance companies pay them so little. My dr had a payment plan – three payment Of $3000 and them you aske your insurance company to reimburse for whatever out of network reimbursement was part of the plan (not much). Maybe dr risky would do something similar
Jenn says:
Here’s an idea….come to Canada – REALLY!!! We have free health care PLUS our Mat leaves are for a whole year! I do NOT know how all my USA friends manage going back to work emotionally and/or physically after only 3 to 6 weeks. Obv. whoever made up that rule never had a 6 week old baby they had to leave!!! I feel for you…I really do and I wish I could make things better for you and Mike cuz you 2 make REALLY GREAT BABIES!!!! Good Luck My Friends!!! xo
Meyli says:
I’m sorry Heather I can’t really offer any advice since I’ve never been pregnant or had to deal with any sort of insurance (except the car kind!)
I had no idea pregnancies were so complicated! And this is just the technical parts. From the comments above, it seems like we’re all better off moving to Canada
Meyli says:
…Also, and I hope this isn’t seen as out-of-line, but have you considered adopting a child? It may be financially easier than a pregnancy for you guys (Then again, what do I know?!)
Either way, no matter where/when/how they got there, you guys have beautiful and awesome kids.
Jayme says:
Anthem Blue Cross offers a plan with maternity coverage. Or at least they did last year, my sister was insured by BC when she was pregnant, and it was a private plan. It is really expensive though, I believe she paid approximately $350 a month for just HER. And that doesn’t include any deductibles, copays, and coinsurance she was responsible for. It’s insane, really.
Jayme says:
So I just looked on the Anthem website, and they do still offer plans with maternity coverage, but they are PRICEY. $600 a month, for a plan with a $3500 deductible. I’m still trying to pick my jaw up off the floor.
Rachel R. says:
I’m convinced y’all will have another baby next year. And I am excited for you both. I know no one could ever take Maddie’s place. But I think you are wonderful parents who love your kids and any child would be lucky to come into your family.
It will work itself out.
It’s meant to be.
And oh boy… Annie is going to be such a bossypants big sister!
TracyKM says:
I can’t imagine living in this sort of situation. Tough choices.
I do know though, that your next pregnancy will probably not have some of the same costs as Annie’s, since you already know what you’re dealing with.
I’m really surprised the March of Dimes doesn’t offer assistance.
lauren says:
Ok I just wanted to throw one quick thing out there….( And to be honest I know Annie is not an only because you have two children and I really did not know how to phrase this so I hope this is ok) and I am absolutely not getting into any debate about family size) There are many benefits to having a singleton in the house. I know you want another as did I but it did not work out for me, but just in case you change your mind just know that singletons in the house are wonderful and they tend to do very well in school, you have more money to save for education, you can go on vacations, they tend to be very independent and creative. It is certainly not a detriment to the child. And many are not lonely they have friends and other family and enjoy the attention of the parents.
I know you want another but I just wanted to put in a plug that having a singleton can be great……
steph says:
That really sucks.In Australia you don’t pay to have a baby unless you choose to have your baby privately then you pay for appointments.Alot of the time you see the same Dr’s the private mamas see but they see the same one everytime and you see whoevers rostered on in the antenatal clinic.You see midwifes if your well and OB’s if your high risk.We thought about going private after we had our first baby but when we realised how much it would cost us if we ended up in the NICU again (our 1st Scarlett was only 2 pound 5 at birth so we spent 7 weeks in NICU) we stayed public care because we wouldnt have to pay for it and our baby would end up in the public system in NICU anyways because the private hospitals don’t have NICU’s.I hope you guys work something out that makes your lives easier.
amy kate says:
I just read your post to my husband, and we’re stunned. To not offer it at all? What the what? This is crazy to me. Thank God for all the folks that have navigated through this before and have some insight and ideas. I don’t. I just have indignation about the whole thing. Jaw dropping.
Ray says:
Move somewhere else for nine months where Maternity Health Insurance is covered….? No…? Darn! That’s the most absurd thing I’ve ever heard! LA might have a lot of wealthy people that can pay in cash Maternity Bills, but not everyone can. That totally sucks, and I hope you can figure it out. You deserve baby # 3, and I hope everything goes as planned. <3<3<3
Hopefully this detour is short!
Erin says:
From an agent…but not in your state…REGULAR maternity may not be covered, but high risk, usually is…ASK!