MediCal vs. paying out of pocket

[JTA Mom]

Can one get MediCal as a back up and pay out of pocket for a midwife at the same time?

Or do they see paying a midwife as 'gaming' the system?

This was an unplanned pregnancy. I want to have the best chances for VBAC, which is NOT going to happen at the local hospitals. The thing is, I realize I might end up with a c/s, but there's no way I can pay for that, out of pocket.

Can I 'carry' MediCal as a backup method? Just in case I need a c/s? Or is that illegal?

Help!

Ami

[Drummer's Wife]

I'm pretty sure you can. I know women who have had medicaid/state insurance and paid out of pocket for a homebirth/birthcenter. I don't see why not, but am not familar with California's program. Are you positive they don't cover midwives? Just asking b/c I know here in NM medicaid will pay for homebirths (at least I'm pretty sure!).

[goldingoddess]

You most certainly can. And you can get medical to cover any labs that the midwife requires, just have them bill medi-cal. It is not fraudulant at all. If you qualify for coverage that's that and it doesn't matter how you spend your own money.

Oh and CONGRATULATIONS!!

[JTA Mom]

Originally Posted by goldingoddess

You most certainly can. And you can get medical to cover any labs that the midwife requires, just have them bill medi-cal. It is not fraudulant at all. If you qualify for coverage that's that and it doesn't matter how you spend your own money.

Oh and CONGRATULATIONS!!

Thanks!

And that is soooo good to know.

So I can have MediCal cover labs but cover the actual services myself (appointments, her being at home with me, etc)?

Ami

[Satori]

Medi-cal with cover a home birth 100% if you use a CNM or a birth center.

[leavemealone]

In my state (not CA), it's OK to pay out of pocket for a midwife. I am doing that now and I have medicaid for backup and other medical expenses. Even though we have the medicaid, I cannot find a dr who is accepting new patients, so I am thinking that we will pay out of pocket for drs visits for the kids. Luckily, they don't get sick often, but if things change, I'll have to find another way. The medicaid is for large unexpected things like broken bones, hospital stays, etc. I'll do my best to cover the small things on my own since my only option would be an ER at this point even for things that aren't emergencies.

[nataliachick7]

youre lucky. in illinois it is illegal to pay for anything out of pocket if you have state insurance.