| If you are already pregnant, but have no health | | | | 2 - Medicaid is a state and federal program that |
| insurance you are in a tough spot. Health insurance | | | | pays for some health services for certain |
| companies consider pregnancy a pre-existing | | | | low-income pregnant women, and children. |
| condition, and you may find it very hard to find | | | | Contact your state department of insurance for |
| the coverage you need. There are seven things | | | | more details. |
| you can try that may help you get coverage, or | | | | 3 - Charity care is available through many hospital |
| lower your costs. | | | | systems for people who meet income guidelines. |
| Pregnancy a Pre-existing Condition | | | | Contact your local hospital system to apply for |
| Pregnancy is a pre-existing condition. Most | | | | coverage. |
| insurance carriers will not provide coverage for | | | | 4 - State short term disability will replace a |
| pre-existing conditions. You may find it very | | | | portion of your income during your maternity |
| difficult to get the medical care you and your | | | | leave, and if complications cause you to miss |
| baby will need. Follow these seven tips to either | | | | additional time from work. Only five states have |
| get coverage and/or lower your costs. | | | | this coverage in force. |
| Seven Tips to Get Coverage and Cut Costs | | | | 5 - Discount medical plans are not insurance, but |
| 1 -Know your insurance rules. Many states have | | | | you may be able to reduce your medical costs by |
| laws that require insurers to cover your | | | | using one of these plans. |
| pregnancy if you can show no gaps in coverage | | | | 6 - Alternative medical treatments such as |
| of three months or more. Provide your new | | | | birthing centers or midwives may be less |
| insurer with a "certificate of credible coverage" | | | | expensive than a hospital stay. |
| demonstrating you had coverage in the past. | | | | 7 - Flexible spending accounts can be used for |
| These laws are designed to protect you from | | | | your un-reimbursed medical expenses and lower |
| interruptions due to job loss, etc. | | | | the amount you pay in taxes. |