Health Insurance for your Pregnancy

If you don’t have health insurance for your pregnancy, there are programs in Washington State that can help.

Health Insurance Programs

The First Steps Program

The First Steps Program is offered to eligible pregnant and postpartum women through the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) and is often called a pregnancy medical coupon (Medicaid). If you had your baby within the last 2 months, this coupon gives you 10 months of free family planning (birth control) benefits. You may also be able to get help paying for unpaid medical bills from your pregnancy.

• Use the Benefit Finder to see if you may qualify and apply online.
  
  

Basic Health

The Basic Health Program helps eligible Washington State residents purchase low cost health insurance. It covers doctor and hospital care, emergency services and prescription drugs. It does not cover dental or vision services. There is currently a waiting list for the Basic Health Program.

• Use the Benefit Finder to see if you may qualify for Basic Health.
  
  

If You Don’t Qualify

If you don’t qualify for the above health insurance programs, there are other options.

Community Clinics

Some clinics provide medical care at reduced cost to you, called a sliding scale fee. These clinics provide good care, but the amount you pay may be less if you have less money coming in. To find a community clinic near you call the Family Health Hotline at 1-800-322-2588.

Midwives

Consider choosing a midwife if you do not have health insurance. Having your baby with a midwife can significantly reduce your costs. If you have health insurance, most plans cover midwifery care, including DSHS/Medicaid, Group Health, Regence and other major insurers. To read more about midwives visit Midwives’ Association of Washington State.

Private Health Insurance

It is also possible to purchase a private health insurance plan that will cover all or part of your pregnancy care. To learn more about private health insurance call the Washington State Insurance Commissioner at 1-800-562-6900.

Already Have Health Insurance?

If you already have health insurance, learn more about what questions to ask your insurance provider about your coverage.

Know What Your Health Insurance Covers

It is important to understand your health insurance plan so that you don’t end up with large medical bills. Call your health insurance provider to learn about your benefits for prenatal, labor and postpartum care.

Some questions to ask your health insurance provider:

1. What are my maternity benefits? Do I have medical, dental and vision benefits?
2. Does my health care provider and birth facility accept my health plan?
3. What are my deductible and co-payment amounts for maternity care?
4. Does my plan cover things related to pregnancy such as breast pumps, childbirth classes or doula care?
5. Can I add my baby to my health care plan after they are born?
6. Do I have coverage if my baby needs to stay in the hospital?

If you have health insurance, but do not have a provider for your prenatal care, contact your plan right away. It is important to start prenatal care as soon as possible.

Your health care plan should be able to give you a list of providers that are in your plans “network” (providers that accept your insurance). If you receive care from a provider that is not part of your plan’s network, you may not have coverage.