What do I need to know about homebirth in New York state?

[janerose]

We just moved to NY and are looking to start ttc #2 in November. I'd love to have a homebirth this time around, but am not sure what NY's laws are or how I'd even find a midwife who would attend a homebirth. Anyone with experience homebirthing in NY? I'm in north east NY on Lake Champlain if that makes any difference. Also, we have Family Health Plus for insurance (HMO through the state). I may be able to pay for a midwife though if insurance won't cover it. I feel pretty strongly about doing this if at all possible. TIA!

Holly

[jplain]

No personal experience, but here's information on the legality of midwifery in NY: New York ~ Status of Midwifes and Midwifery (http://www.cfmidwifery.org/states/states.asp?ST=45). The links and contact information further down the page might help you find practicing midwives in your area.

More on finding a midwife: have you already searched the archives and/or asked in your tribe here on Mothering.com? Tribal Areas ~ New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania (http://www.mothering.com/discussions/forumdisplay.php?f=82)

Good luck!
:) Carolyn

[angington]

I'm in NY. According to my midwife, NYS law says your insurance company must cover midwifery services. If there aren't any midwives that are "participating providers" with your plan, they must cover it as "out of network" services. And that includes any service the midwife provides i.e. home birth. She might not bill it as specifically a home birth, but as an "out of network" service.

I just found her since we are currently ttc#2. Her biller is checking with my insurance for me to see what exactly they will cover. I figure the biller will know better than me how to code it correctly so it gets covered.

Hope that helps :)

[janerose]

Thanks for your replies! I will post over in the NY tribal area as well. Honestly, I think my biggest problem will be finding a midwife willing to do a homebirth in our area. I have some time at least since #2 isn't even conceived yet! Wish me luck. :LOL

Holly