If you are pregnant and without adequate health insurance, there is a chance that you may consider going on Medicaid during this time. While most people who are eligible from Medicaid will benefit greatly from it, it is important to have an understanding of what exactly this government-funded health insurance will cover while you are pregnant. Here are some of the things you should know about Medicaid’s health insurance coverage during pregnancy.
Medicaid May Cover Care Before Eligibility
When you found out you were pregnant and began scheduling doctor’s visits, you may not have applied for Medicaid right away. This means that you may have paid for doctor’s visits out of your pocket or owe money for the care that you have received so far. There is a chance that you may qualify for care that you were received prior to becoming eligible for Medicaid pregnancy coverage. This is called presumptive eligibility. You will want to ask your local Medicaid office if you qualify for it.
Medicaid Covers Certain Doctors During Pregnancy
It is important to keep in mind that only certain doctors and health care facilities will be covered by Medicaid. This is really no different than other forms of health insurance. Certain providers may or may not accept this form of health insurance. When you become eligible for Medicaid during pregnancy, you will be provided with information on what physicians and facilities accept this form of health insurance.
Medicaid Covers All Care During Pregnancy
Keep in mind that all care that you will need during pregnancy will be covered by Medicaid. This includes all of the doctor’s visits that you will need to have during your pregnancy. This form of health insurance will also cover any ultrasounds or other types of care that you may need to receive during pregnancy. Medicaid will also cover all of the care that you receive during the delivery of your baby. This brings us to the next important factor in regards to what is covered by Medicaid during pregnancy.
Medicaid Covers Complications During Pregnancy
In addition to covering all regular care during pregnancy, Medicaid will also provide coverage for any complications that occur. The only way that a c-section will covered during pregnancy is if it’s considered an emergency surgery. Women who opt to have a c-section when they give birth will not be deemed eligible for Medicaid coverage of their delivery. That being said, some doctors may be willing to state that your c-section is medically necessary for the purpose of Medicaid health insurance coverage.
Medicaid Covers Postpartum After Pregnancy
After you have given birth, your Medicaid coverage will not immediately be revoked. You will continue to receive insurance coverage from Medicaid for sixty days (2 months) after you have given birth. Most women make follow-up visits with their doctors after they have had the baby. If you have had a c-section, you will need to have your stitches removed. Medicaid will cover this and any other care that you need, including any complications or emergencies.
If you are eligible for Medicaid coverage in your state, the most important thing to keep in mind is that you will benefit greatly from it. In most cases, all of the care that you receive during your pregnancy will be covered by Medicaid health insurance.
Sources:
American Pregnancy Association: Medicaid for Pregnant Women
http://www.americanpregnancy.org/planningandpreparing/medicaid.html
