Everything You Need to Know About Getting Health Insurance During Pregnancy

It’s exciting to find out about a pregnancy, but it can also be a stressful time, especially if you don’t have health insurance. That’s why the Affordable Care Act (ACA) provides options for pregnant women to get affordable coverage.

Pregnancy and the ACA

The ACA ensures that all pregnant women have access to affordable health insurance. You can sign up for coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace or through Medicaid.

Health Insurance Marketplace

The Health Insurance Marketplace is a government-run website where you can compare and purchase health insurance plans from private insurers. If you qualify, you may be eligible for a premium tax credit that will help you lower the cost of your monthly premiums.

To qualify for a premium tax credit, your income must be within a certain range. For 2023, the income limits for a single person are:

Lower limit: $13,851
Upper limit: $58,650

If your income is below 138% of the federal poverty level (FPL), you may be eligible for Medicaid. Medicaid is a government-funded health insurance program for low-income individuals and families.

Medicaid

Medicaid is a state-run health insurance program that provides coverage to low-income individuals and families. Each state has its own Medicaid program, so eligibility requirements and benefits vary from state to state.

In most states, pregnant women are eligible for Medicaid regardless of their income. However, there are some states that have income limits for pregnant women.

How to Apply for Coverage

You can apply for coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace or through your state’s Medicaid agency. The application process is typically simple and straightforward. You will need to provide information about your income, household size, and health status.

What Coverage Do You Need?

When you are pregnant, it is important to have health insurance that covers maternity care. Maternity care includes prenatal care, labor and delivery, and postpartum care.

Most health insurance plans offered through the Health Insurance Marketplace and Medicaid cover maternity care. However, it is important to check the details of your plan to make sure that it covers the specific services you need.

How Much Will it Cost?

The cost of health insurance during pregnancy will vary depending on your income, the type of plan you choose, and the state you live in.

If you qualify for a premium tax credit, you may be able to lower the cost of your monthly premiums. You may also be able to get help with the cost of out-of-pocket expenses, such as deductibles and copays.

Getting Help

If you need help getting health insurance during pregnancy, you can contact a licensed insurance agent or broker. They can help you find a plan that meets your needs and budget. You can also get help from your state’s Medicaid agency.