Benefits

• Health insurance plans offer varying levels of benefits and services for pregnancy. Some health plans specifically exclude pregnancy or consider it a pre-existing condition. It is important to understand what is covered through your health insurance coverage. The best way to determine what benefits are offered through an existing health insurance plan is to call the customer service number for information, usually listed on the front or back of the insurance card. Knowing what is covered before becoming pregnant is the best way to plan the healthiest pregnancy possible.
  
  If you do not have health insurance coverage, Medicaid is a state-managed program for low-income families and individuals. It is federally funded and covers many health conditions, including pregnancy. For women who do not have health insurance and do not qualify for Medicaid, contact the hospital where you plan to deliver the baby and discuss payment options and plans in advance.
  
  

Precertification

• Many plans require precertification, also called precert, as soon as you confirm a pregnancy. This is simply notifying the health insurance company of the pregnancy so it can begin the process of registering you for benefits and eventual delivery of the baby. The company will collect general information and estimated delivery date. Your provider's office may handle this precertification process.
  
  

Prenatal Counseling

• Most insurance companies offer prenatal counseling and education. These programs offer telephonic consultations with registered nurses or other qualified health care associates. They help pregnant women access benefits when needed, provide education on prenatal care, assess any potential health risks and coordinate with your doctor for any needed services. They provide information about healthy nutrition, weight management, morning sickness, preterm labor, delivery and other aspects of pregnancy.
  
  

Providers

• Choosing a doctor or other health care provider is an important part of the pregnancy experience. Most health insurance plans offer discounts when women obtain health care from a designated list or network of doctors or providers. They cover a lower percentage of the cost when doctors are chosen outside this network, and some plans do not cover any services when non-approved providers are used. It is critical to know whether your doctor is covered by your insurance plan before you make your first prenatal visit. Taking this vital step will save you lots of money and frustration.
  
  

Post-Natal Care

• Health insurance also provides important benefits after a baby is born. These benefits, referred to as post-natal care, include newborn nursery care, neonatal intensive care and other hospital services. Health insurance also may cover programs that provide education and information on caring for a newborn, such as education and support for breast-feeding, circumcisions, umbilical cords, infant bathing and other responsibilities. They often include information about immunizations and include a 24-hour number for new moms to call with questions or concerns about caring for a newborn. Taking advantage of these health insurance benefits after the baby is born will support a healthy environment for the baby and parents.