Checkups, screenings, ultrasounds and other important prenatal care elements can be costly. But caring for your health and the health of the baby is not something to take lightly. Prenatal care is essential, and with the use of the five tools below, it is within your reach.
If the thought of the cost of multiple appointments at the doctor’s office is making you anxious, never fear. There are lots of options for pregnant women who can’t afford prenatal care. Explore them below to find a path that will work for you.
Options for Affordable Prenatal Care
1. Enroll in a Government Health Care Program
Healthcare coverage is an option for those who believe they can’t afford prenatal care. Medicaid is a healthcare program specifically designed for individuals with low incomes. You can read the Medicaid eligibility requirements to learn if you qualify for coverage.
If you do, enroll in a plan designed for your state and situation. In Texas, the STAR Medicaid Program connects pregnant women with the medical resources they need. Once you’re enrolled, look for OB-GYNs in your area that accepts Medicaid. That way, you’ll receive the prenatal care you need under the plan that you have selected.
If you don’t qualify for Medicaid, consider enrolling in The Child Health Insurance Program (CHIP). This program is designed for those who make too high of an income to enroll in Medicaid.
2. Get Help from an Adoption Center
Adoption agencies are another source of financial assistance for women who can’t afford prenatal care. Private adoption agencies connect birth mothers with families that are looking to adopt a child. Often, the adoptive family will cover pregnancy-related medical expenses for the birth mother. The private adoption laws vary by state, but adoptive parents are often permitted to pay for medical, hospital and pharmaceutical expenses that the birth mother faces.
Search for adoption agencies in your area and contact them to learn how they support birth mothers who can’t afford prenatal care. Most agencies have services in place to aid birth mothers financially.
3. Find a Local Community Health Center
The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) is a branch of the U.S. Department of Health Services. The purpose of this organization is to increase access to healthcare services for uninsured individuals. Using HRSA’s Health Center Locator, you can find a community health center near you.
The database of health centers that HRSA provides is not limited to pregnancy-related clinics. So, you may have to do some digging to find a location that offers the services you need. Once you find a health center that offers prenatal care services, call them to schedule an appointment. According to the HRSA website, the health centers across the country offer “care to millions of patients regardless of ability to pay.”
4. Explore local charities and churches
Community support is out there for birth mothers who can’t afford prenatal care. Using a tool like Charity Navigator or America’s Charities, you can uncover nonprofit organizations that offer healthcare-centered resources to women who can’t afford prenatal care. You can also head online and search “charities for pregnant women near me” to connect with local organizations that can help.
Certain churches also have programs dedicated to helping pregnant women in need. MercyHouse is a Texas-based nonprofit that offers complete prenatal care and counseling.
5. Connect with the Health Department in your Area
The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) offers a range of resources for pregnant women. The Office of Women’s Health (OWH) Care offers information about what prenatal services include and how to pay for prenatal care.
In addition to the OWH, the HHS can connect you to the Health Department in your local area. Simply call 1-800-311-2229 for English or 1-800-504-7081 for Spanish to find low-cost healthcare facilities near you.
Get the Financial Help You Need at Texas Adoption Center
Our caring adoption specialists at Texas Adoption Center are a support system for birth mothers in their journey to adoption. Birth mothers get pregnancy, labor, delivery and postpartum medical costs covered, so the stress of medical expenses is not something they need to dwell on. If you are considering placing your baby for adoption or simply want to know more about the adoption process, contact Texas Adoption Agency today.
