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What You Need To Know
There are several maternity care options for those with low-income and without health insurance including birthing centers, Hill-Burton Facilities and Planned Parenthood.
Be sure to explore some alternative insurance options and resources to aid any debt you come across.
Some moms to be are uninsured because they make too much for Medicaid but too little to afford health plan cost-sharing. We highlight free or low-cost prenatal care options and other money-saving tips to help you get ready for your baby.
Free or Low-Cost Options
Birthing Centers
- These centers offer a healthcare facility for childbirth where the care is performed in the midwifery and wellness model. There are more than 384 freestanding birth centers in the U.S.
- The average prenatal care and delivery at a birth center can range from $3,000 to $4,000.
Hill-Burton Facilities
- These health care facilities (almost 140) provide free or reduced-cost care. They provide the services due to the funds they received from the federal government.
- Your income must be at or below the current federal poverty guidelines to be eligible to apply.
- You may still be eligible for reduced-cost care if your income is as much as two times the HHS Poverty Guidelines. For example, the guideline for a family/household of four must make less than $26,500.
Planned Parenthood
- The national non-profit health center offers education and services for pregnancy options, prenatal care, or pregnancy loss.
- Some services include:
- Pregnancy Testing
- Childbirth Classes
- Adoption Services
- Adoption Referrals
- Fertility Awareness Education
- Pregnancy Planning Services
- Prenatal Services
- Postpartum Exams
- Trained Staff to Discuss Options If You Are Pregnant
- Trained Staff to Talk With You About Early Pregnancy Loss (Miscarriage)
- Not every Planned Parenthood health center provides all services. Check here for locations.
- The cost of prenatal care depends on where you go and whether you have insurance. The rates can also change if you need special testing or treatment.
- Most insurance plans will cover these costs. If you’re uninsured, Planned Parenthood may provide low-cost or free prenatal care.
Self-Pay Options and Charity Rates
- If you pay for care in cash or are medically needy, hospitals may offer lower rates. You have to call and ask because they don’t make this info publicly available.
- Standard reduced fees include x-rays, ultrasounds, and lab work.
Insurance Options
Hospital indemnity insurance
- Hospital indemnity insurance (or simply hospital insurance) is supplemental medical insurance that covers benefits if you are hospitalized. Unlike standard health insurance, hospital indemnity insurance pays you if you are hospitalized, regardless of any other coverage you may have.
- These plans can help you prepare for the labor and delivery costs.
Discount Plans
- Discount medical plan companies provide pre-negotiated discounts to their members for a monthly fee ($25-45 per month).
- You can find discounts on prescriptions and some prenatal and postpartum care.
- Discount plans are not health insurance, but services are reduced in price if you seek care in the discount network.
Debt Resources
- RIP Medical Debt
- Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
Assistance from Non-Profit Groups
- After Hours Ministry: publishes an extensive listing for California
- Birth Haven: Newton, New Jersey
- Bright Hope Centers: Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton Pennsylvania
- Catholic Charities: Nationwide (search name and location)
- Covenant House: Nationwide (search name and location)
- Home-Start: San Diego, California
- Precious Life Shelter: Los Alamitos, California
- Saint Ann’s: Hyattsville, Maryland
- Socialserve: Nationwide bilingual call center
- The Salvation Army: Nationwide (search name and location)
