No Maternity Insurance and Pregnant.

Having had two homebirths myself, I'd definitely reccommend the homebirth option.

However, being as you have twins, I'm wondering if you have had a vaginal birth? If you haven't, you are unlikely to find a homebirth midwife who will take you on, and just as unlikely to find a hospital based midwife (or OB) who will consider VBA2C--despite the fact that it has been proven to have no higher risk of rupture than VBA1C. But I would encourage you to consider the VBAC route, unmedicated (to save money on the epidural--a doula would actually be cheaper than the epidural). My sister-in-law did a VBA2C unmedicated, and she said it was SO much better. Hugs!

On Cafe Mom another mom talked about this policy and she stated it was not good at all. It is more like a discount plan where they try to get the doctor to reduce the rate. she said for what it cost she could have paid for her office visits. We too are expecting our fourth (unexpected) child. I have found my answer to be to just make more money to cover the medical bills. I noticed you have great danes. I am glad to know there are other crazy people out there with big dogs. We have an english mastiff and a house full of kids.
www.livegreeneasy.com

You can go to your local Social Services office. Pregnant woman are eligible for Medicaid. I'm pretty sure that there isn't an income guide if you're pregnant. It never hurts to ask. Trust me!! :)

Hi J.,
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Owner there has other ministry connections that may help with your specific needs!

I found myself in the same situation last year. My husband just left his job to work for himself and I was a SAHM. It seemed like every insurance company told me they couldn't help me because they all had a waiting period before maternity coverage kicked in. Since we were self-employed we were able to join our local chamber of commerce's group health coverage plan. I ended up with Keystone Health Plan East, an HMO. There was no waiting period and this pregnancy and delivery cost less than our first child under his company's plan. I'm not sure, but you might be able to join KHPE independent of your chamber of commerce. I checked out all of my options and this was the only viable option for me and my family. Good luck

I thought that your post was pretty clear that you weren't looking for medical assistance - just a way to get insurance or fray the costs. Anyway...

If you don't find anything, rest assured that most hospitals (since those services will probably be the largest cost) will allow you to make payments on a monthly plan and as long as you are paying them, it will not affect credit or anything. Talk to your OB office to see if they have discounts for cash payments (some do!). If you have an uneventful pregnancy (which I hope you do regardless of insurance), you may find yourself to be OK.

Keep looking for the insurance, though, as a precaution. It would be so much better than any discount card you could find - and you would have more choices in doctors - probably the ones you are already using (maybe check with them - sometimes the people who handle the billing really know the ins & outs) I'm sorry - I can't help you much with that - my husband is self-employed, but we get insurance through my school district.

Good luck - I know that medical bills can be costly for anyone.

My understanding is that everyone who is pregnant and doesn't have insurance is eligible for medicaid/assistance. I could be wrong, though.

Either way, the midwife that delivered my last baby had a payment plan and was WAY more affordable than an OB/GYN (and the care was fantastic). Maybe check into a midwife, and a home birth. It was $2600 for prenatal visits and $1500 for the birth - compared to over $20,000 for my first baby's birth!

Good luck ...

The girls who are telling you that you would be eligible for assistance are wrong. I'm on assistance, and believe me they would laugh at you if you applied. This is meant for people who don't have a husband who makes enough to feed a small country for a year. I know I'm coming off as rude, but really, what are you worried about? This is coming from a single mother who can't afford to pay attention. Enjoy the peace of mind you have financially, and who knows, that insurance you applied for just might cover it.

J.,
I know when i was pg Megee womens hospital had a bunch of things they offered.I can tell you, you would not get covered through any welfare,social service they most all are income based and your Hubby makes good money. I have seen them turn down pg women due to the fact they make 4 bucks over guildlines it's crazy. I'll ask my Sil she works at megee and i'll see if she can find out anything. also have you looked into BCBS i think they have different kinds of plans.

Hi J.,

I don't have any experience with the Maternity Advantage Card, but it sounds like a pretty good deal as long as it covers your labor and delivery charges. I ended up having an emergency c-section and my hospital bill was well over $30,000. I think a "normal" vaginal delivery still costs over $10,000, so it is a good thing to have coverage.

Congrats on your pregnancy and good luck with the insurance.

J.
A Mother's Boutique
www.mothersboutique.com
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I'm pretty sure that pregnancy is not considered a pre-existing condition with insurance so you could apply for insurance and they couldn't deny you maternity coverage. I have no experience with the card you are talking about so I can't comment on that.
I have a friend in HR, she does benefits. I'll ask her. You can follow up with me at ____@____.com if you are interested.
Good luck!
K.

The rude woman who told you to suck it up, shouldn't have replied if that was the way she felt. My husband makes good money but not the best. However, we are, also, both paying for college educations. Just because someone makes a good salary does NOT mean that you are in a position to payout 1/10 to over 1/3 of his salary for the year on medical expenses.

That being said, please look into the CHIP program if you are in Pennsylvania. They raised the limits somewhat. While you may not be eligible, they may be able to tell you how to get medical insurance to cover you while you are pregnant. Also, don't rule out coverage under the new insurance. There are some conditions that they cover regardless of whether or not they were diagnosed prior to getting the insurance. There are a few insurance companies that advertise directly to pregnant women without insurance. Another place to call or check with is the Healthy Start program. Again, you might not be eligible but they may be able to give you information to help you get coverage.

Good luck and congratulations.

Hi J.! Congratulations on your pregnancy! We just saw the movie Sicko by Michael Moore and your insurance situation fits right in with what he was talking about. Ugh. Anyway, I just wanted to throw out the idea to you of a homebirth. It could definitely be an option. They usually run around $4000 and it includes all your prenatal and postnatal visits. Depending on your perspective, it may come across as crazy but studies have shown that homebirths are just as safe, if not safer, than hospital and birth center births. Good luck and I hope everything works out really well for you and your family!
B.

you can get 30-60% off your bill if you pay it upfront. I would try to negotiate with the hospital about that. Don't forget your OB, Peds and Anesthesia. Talk to their billing departments ahead of time and see what arrangements they will make. Also shop around for hospital charges and discounts. You may be surprised.

(It is unlikely that any OB will bless a VBA2C and a home birth is too risky for you and the baby)

Congratulations, J.. Avoid the discount card -- it is NOT medical insurance. It just allows you to get discounted rates from doctors who participate, but the discount depends on what is negotiated with the doctor, so it varies from dr. to dr. and could be very small. Look around the internet -- Small businesses and those who are self-employed have often formed groups and taken out a group plan which is much more affordable than individual insurance. I was in one of these groups about 18 yrs. ago when I was in graduate school, so anyone can join. I can't remember the name. Just make sure you are getting real medical insurance and not just some limited benefits or discounts. Best Wishes. www.livingreenathome.com

In Pa, all pregnant women and children regardless of income are covered by medical assistance. I would go to the welfare office and fill out the medical request forms. I was in this situation years ago and was able to get the state insurance.

M.