Private Maternity Coverage? Do I need it?

[camprunner]

We are looking at me quitting a job that provides insurance. We could probably handle paying for our own insurance but I can't find a plan that offers maternity coverage at all. We homebirth and usually pay out of pocket anyway, but I would hate to have a true emergency which could mean a c-section and hospital stay and it not be covered.

Any advice?

[pbjmama]

Would you qualify for any state coverage? I know the new health care stuff requires coverage, not sure when all that goes into effect and what it would mean for you - seems like everything health insurance is changing.

[zebra15]

If you end employment you qualify for COBRA. While expensive, that could solve your problem. A quick call to benefits or HR will get you the cost of COBRA insurance. Make sure you ask for the Single rate (which is for only you) and the family rate (if you want to cover everyone and you have family coverage now).

[TwinMomPlus]

I was just reading on another board that private insurance doesn't offer maternity unless you add a maternity rider., if you can find one to offer it.

[leavemealone]

I think it depends. Most individual plans won't cover maternity without an additional rider that cost a lot and typically has a waiting period. You could check with the hospital and see if they offer a a prenatal package where everything is covered for one fee. You said you had home births and paid out of pocket, but it might be worth it to look into what local hospitals offered. You could also look into the financial assistance programs at local hospitals and see if you would fit into their guidelines for reduced/free care. The income limits are much higher than I expected. State coverage is another option if you qualify.

[lakeruby]

My job is OPS, so I have private insurance (with Humana). I've only had it about 6 months, and haven't used it for anything yet, so I can't say if they are a good/helpful company or not-- but I am under the impression that, while I don't have maternity coverage, and will be paying out of pocket for a midwife, etc, they will cover me if I have an emergency. I do want to check on that to make sure before I concieve, but that was the reason I bought insurance in the first place-- I want to be covered in case of emergency.

[camprunner]

Right now it looks like I'm going to hang on for at least another year but after that.....

To answer some questions....

We are in the fortunate position of making too much money for state insurance even if I quit my job.

I'm not sure how it would work to do hospital care. I'm a very uptight person and purposely choose laid back medical care for that reason. I figure it all evens out LOL. The hospital might fire me...

Maybe we will be able to save up. I would guess that they would cover anything that kept me in the hospital more than a few days right? And the baby would have to be covered if added within 30 days?

We aren't pregnant but want to concieve sometime in the next couple of years.