The expense of pregnancy can be the highest in a woman's life because it requires special medical support. Without insurance, it can be overwhelming and harmful to family finances. It is easier to get pregnancy insurance before you are pregnant. However, if you are already pregnant and do not have insurance for your pregnancy, there are still options available for you to get insured and to reduce your maternity expenses.
Employer sponsored
Women who are employed can have access to pregnancy insurance through their employers. Check with your employer for health insurance that includes maternity coverage. If the once a year open period for insurance has not passed, you might still be able to add pregnancy coverage to your health insurance. You also have rights to coverage if you are switching jobs. This is effectively covered by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. It protects women from pregnancy related insurance discrimination by employers.
Marriage
If you are married, your spouse employment insurance can have options that can cover your pregnancy expenses. Discuss this with your spouse so he can add you to his employment insurance policy. Most insurance policies allow married couples to include their spouses.
Government
Pregnant women can also get medical assistance through the government. The following are the common programs:
Medicaid - Funded by the federal government and administered through the states. Medicaid is for people with low income. Therefore you have to be below a certain income level to qualify. If you have more than one source of income, dropping one might lower your income enough to qualify for Medicaid and reduce your maternity expenses.
There are other similar programs like American Plan and the Women, Infants and Children program. Contacting your local health department or Planned Parenthood can give you information on the programs that are available in your sate. Investigate all your alternatives if already pregnant without insurance.
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