You just saw those two parallel lines on the pregnancy test. Your mind begins to race — not with thoughts of a beautiful baby or becoming a parent, but with concerns about money and insurance.
If you’re uninsured when you find out you’re pregnant, that is likely how that moment went for you. And it’s understandable. As a society, we hear and spread horror stories about hospital costs and the general expense of becoming a parent every day.
There is some truth to the stories. Pregnancy, birth, and raising a child are expensive. But you aren’t necessarily stuck with all of these costs. You have options, and the caring and empathetic team at Texas Adoption Center is here to help you understand them.
In this post, we will cover prenatal care costs for Texas women who are uninsured, as well as some common insurance concerns. Does insurance cover pregnancy? Am I on the hook for hundreds of thousands of dollars if I’m uninsured and expecting? Read on to find out.
Out-of-Pocket Costs for Uninsured Expectant Mothers in Texas
Let’s begin with the basics. Being pregnant and giving birth without insurance is expensive in Texas. Here are some of the prenatal and postnatal care costs you might encounter if you’re uninsured:
- Obstetrician bills. OBs can charge up to $500 per appointment in some cases.
- Ultrasounds. Expect to pay between $280 and $600 if you’re uninsured.
- Lab work. Blood tests typically stay under $100 each, but more specialized testing can easily top $1,000.
- Specialist visits. If you’re uninsured, expect a specialist visit to cost more than $280.
- Delivery. An uncomplicated vaginal delivery can cost between $5,000 and $11,000, while a C-section can cost as much as $14,500 on average.
- Anesthesia. Regional anesthesia, which is the kind typically used during childbirth, can cost as much as $3,500 without insurance.
- Circumcision. In Texas, pediatric circumcision can cost between $962 and $2,558.
- Pediatrician visits. The first year’s worth of pediatrician visits can cost more than $3,000 in total if you don’t have insurance.
If you’re feeling a little out of breath after reading those numbers, you’re not alone. But you also have options. Read on to learn more.
Does Insurance Cover Pregnancy?
Does insurance cover pregnancy? To put the answer simply, yes. It does. But if you’re uninsured when you find out you’re pregnant, you might be wondering whether insurance is an option now, after reading about all the out-of-pocket costs above.
It may be an option. In addition to being eligible for Pregnant Women’s Medicaid, there are other events that may allow you to enroll in insurance. These include losing other health coverage or moving to a new location. In other words, you may be able to enroll in insurance that will cover the costs of your pregnancy and birth right now.
Additionally, even if you aren’t eligible to enroll in insurance now, you will be once you’ve given birth. Giving birth qualifies you for a special enrollment period of at least 60 days.
Are Midwives Covered by Insurance?
Some women prefer the care offered by midwives over that of a traditional obstetrician, but are midwives covered by insurance in Texas? In most cases, certified nurse-midwives (CNMs) will be covered, and most providers will accept insurance. However, it’s important to check with your insurer to make sure.
Are Ultrasounds Covered by Insurance?
If you are able to get insurance during your pregnancy, you will likely find that one or two ultrasounds are mostly covered by insurance. However, if you’re unable to get insurance or your carrier does not appear to cover ultrasounds, you may be able to find a facility that offers free ultrasounds in your area.
Does Insurance Cover Prenatal Genetic Testing?
In most cases, insurance will cover prenatal genetic testing. However, some insurers will only cover it if your doctor recommends it. And some women opt to pay out of pocket for it because the total cost of the test is less than what the insurer will charge you via a copay.
Does Insurance Cover Prenatal Vitamins?
In Texas, both Medicaid for Pregnant Women and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) Perinatal program cover prenatal vitamins. However, not all private insurers will cover prenatal vitamins, so if you’re not enrolled with Medicaid for Pregnant Women or CHIP Perinatal, it’s important to ask your insurer.
How to Get Prenatal Care Costs Covered
Does insurance cover pregnancy? Absolutely. But if you’re uninsured, what are your options? If you are able to get insurance during your pregnancy, you should be covered — at least for the most important (and most expensive) costs. But if you can’t get insurance, you may be left feeling like you’re out of options.
But as long as Texas Adoption Center is around, you’re not out of options. Our supportive team members are here to walk you through all of your options, including adoption. Placing a baby for adoption can sometimes mean that the adoptive parents will cover prenatal care costs.
Texas Adoption Center offers compassionate, judgment-free guidance and support. If that sounds like what you need, don’t hesitate to reach out. When you’re ready, contact us online, call us at 512-893-7943, text us at 361-461-3742, or email us at hello@texasadoptioncenter.org.
