Home birth in Portland

[MamaHoneybee]

I have OHP, CareOR managed health care and really want to have a home birth, but can't afford to pay for it out of pocket. Is there any way to get OHP to cover part or all cost?

Also, any CPM recommendations?

Thank you!

[Bruebee]

Hi! I think that you can call care oregon and ask them if they cover homebirth midwives. If not call OHP and ask them. I *think* they do but I dont know for sure. If they do they may be able to give you a list of which plans cover them if care oregon doesnt. Another route may be to call around and find a homebirth midwife and ask them if they take OHP. Good luck finding a provider that will help you have the birth you want!

[phathui5]

Many midwives are Oregon Health Plan providers.

You can find info for Oregon midwives at www.oregonmidwiferycouncil.org

[lsumstine]

OHP gave me an "Open Card" because I am covered by a primary insurance. With and open card, I was able to have a home birth with a midwife.  However, my midwife of choice was not signed with OHP, but her associate was. Her associate (Elise Hansen a.k.a. absolutely awesome), had to be present at all the visits and the birth. Open cards, I guess are kind of tricky and hard to get, but they definitely give you freedom to do what you desire. Hope this is helpful... Good luck!! :)

[lsumstine]

OHP gave me an "Open Card" because I am covered by a primary insurance. With and open card, I was able to have a home birth with a midwife.  However, my midwife of choice was not signed with OHP, but her associate was. Her associate (Elise Hansen a.k.a. absolutely awesome), had to be present at all the visits and the birth. Open cards, I guess are kind of tricky and hard to get, but they definitely give you freedom to do what you desire. Hope this is helpful... Good luck!! :)

[lsumstine]

OHP gave me an "Open Card" because I am covered by a primary insurance. With and open card, I was able to have a home birth with a midwife.  However, my midwife of choice was not signed with OHP, but her associate was. Her associate (Elise Hansen a.k.a. absolutely awesome), had to be present at all the visits and the birth. Open cards, I guess are kind of tricky and hard to get, but they definitely give you freedom to do what you desire. Hope this is helpful... Good luck!! :)

[lsumstine]

Sorry Everyone! Computer trouble... How do you delete the extra two posts?

[Italiamom]

I believe that starting this year, OHP is only covering CNMs, and may not be covering homebirth at all.  If it isn't already in effect, it will be very shortly.  While CPMs have been covered under the OHP/CareOregon open cards in the past, that is no longer the case.

I would assume that the rules regarding open cards remain the same, meaning if you are covered under OHP/CareOR before your last trimester, then you would have a managed card, rather than an open card, in which case you would have to choose from OHP's managed physician network, rather than picking your own provider.

All that (discouragingly) said, many Portland CPMs are willing to work out extended payment arrangements.  I know this is the case with both Alma's and Andaluz' practices.  Also, if you have a flex savings plan, flex money can be used to cover the services of CPMs.

Sorry I don't have better news for you