7Mths Pregnant and No Helath Insurance

Updated on October 07, 2009
E.S. asks from West New York, NJ
47 answers

I recently became pregnant with my second child. I am 22 and thought that my father's helath insurance would cover me until the age of 23. They sent me a letter on my 22nd birthday letting me know that effective as of my birthday all health insurance is canceled. I was 4 months pregnant when this happned. I am now 7mths pregnant and have no idea what to do. I cannot afford my employer's health insurance. My fathers health insurance has already started sending me bills for lab tests and ultrasounds that I have done since I've been 4mth pregnant forward. I can't afford to pay even part of these outrageous bills. I'm really scared and unsure of what to do. People have told me about njfamily care and charity care but I have'nt reached out to anyone until now. I'm really scared about what's going to happen for my pregnancy if I don't have any health insuarnce. Any advice is more than greatly appreciated. God Bless.

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N.B.

answers from New York on

You may want to look up healthy New York. The have income guidelines and eligibility stuff but you should be able to get some information there.

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R.S.

answers from New York on

You could always apply for Husky. They support pregnant mothers and children and low income families.

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M.D.

answers from Philadelphia on

Contact WIC - Women Infants and Children. I believe this non-profit offers help for women in your situation, which also extends after the baby is born, i.e. free supplies.

1 mom found this helpful
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L.L.

answers from New York on

If you live in NY you may qualify for Medicare or if you don't qualify for that you probably qualify for Child Health Plus which is insurance for your child (you may also qualify for yourself - which I believe is called Family Health Plus). You can receive health insurance that is either free or in some cases very affordable. You can go online to find out more and see what the income requirements are.

Also, sign up for WIC (Women Infant Children) so that you can receive food, formula, etc. for yourself and your child.

1 mom found this helpful
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M.H.

answers from New York on

The state should insure any pregnant mother who cannot afford health insurance for themselves. In CT it is the Husky Program. Also now Blue Care Blue Shield. They insure all uninsured children and will take pregnant mothers too. Call them and ask. Start with InfoLine which is 211. Then ask for the number for the Husky Insurance and you should get all the info you need. But call as soon as possible as you don't have much time left before you are due. Just so you know my 5 yr old son is on Husky and I had him when I was 19, it was Husky who took care of my medical. Now again, I have been off Husky for myself for a while but because I had no insurance when I became pregnant again I got coverage again. I am now 5 mths pregnant and have not incurred any medical expenses. So call them!!

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B.G.

answers from New York on

Hi E.,

Yes, NJFamily Care is an option. If you are unsure about what to do , please call this number. 866-576-2754. It is a place called Birth Right. They will guide you and help you with getting the right insurance you need and what your baby will need. They can even help you with your older child. It's an excellent place. I gave you the toll free number becasue I am not sure of where you are located. I am a social worker and I refer people there all the time. Never had a complaint. Good luck, and make sure you call...what do you have to loose!!

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R.S.

answers from New York on

This is exactly what happened to me when I got pregnant. If you are in NY there is a program called PCAP I believe it is a division of Medicaid. I signed up when I was 7 or 8 months and they covered me retroactively for doctor's visits and my delivery stay. You also have coverage for a year after birth that covers your follow ups and puts your baby into insurance coverage. I wish you a safe delivery and a healthy birth.

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L.M.

answers from Jamestown on

you and your son are both eligible for insurance through your state's social services program. Please call them today. You will still be liable for the tests you've had done so far but you need insurance before the baby comes or it could cost thousands more. Ask the lab you owe money to if they will lower the rate for you to what insurance companieshave negotiated. Good luck to you.

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S.C.

answers from New York on

Hi E.,
I think you should do everything you can right now to get health insurance through your employer. You should be able to enroll immediately (even if it isn't open enrollment time) because you had a change in status when you were dropped from your father's insurance. You said that you can't afford it, but usually insurance thru your employer is the cheapest way to go. If you were covered under your dad's insurance before, would he be willing to lend you some money so you can afford to get the insurance thru your job?
If for some reason you can't get insurance, NY state offers some sort of financial aid program. I had never heard of it until my brother dislocated his knee playing hockey and was uninsured. The bills were astronomical, but he applied for whatever this aid was and qualified! He paid barely anything, but one of the reasons that he qualified was because of the hospital he went to. (It might have been a state hospital). Look into everything BEFORE you go into labor.
And if that doesn't work for you and you end up having to foot the bill, the hospital can work out a payment plan for you. I have insurance and I was still shocked when I was sent bills for a thousand dollars for my hospital stay. I was worried because I was on maternity leave and money was tight. My mom pointed out that I could send them just $25 (if that was all I could afford) and they would have to accept it and set up a payment plan. As long as you are consistently sending them money, that should be ok.
I hope you don't cancel doctor's appointments for fear that you can't pay them. At this point in your pregnancy it is so important to keep regular appts. I wish you all the best for the remainder of your pregnancy - healthy mommy and healthy baby! I will keep you in my prayers!

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J.O.

answers from New York on

Hi E.. Don't worry! Call your local hospital, and ask them what programs exist in your area for uninsured mothers-to-be. I'm in NJ (I saw you're in NY), my husband is self-employed and we have no insurance. I was able to get in a program at my local hospital through medicaid (we make little enough money to be eligible). I'm sure that a similar program must exist where you are. If you can't find a program, find a midwife or CNM and ask if they do or can recommend someone who would do a homebirth with you. Sounds scary, I know, but trust me, it is more than doable, and actually statistically safer than delivering in a hospital, and costs much less money. Best of luck! I'll be praying for you!

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M.A.

answers from New York on

Your elder child needs health coverage, too.
Call the statewide program Healthy New York: 888.215.4045. That's to start. And, for free, you can get a sense of some possibilities by going to www.InsuranceDesk.com . You can also call 311, the number for NYC services, and ask about insurance coverage as the low-income mother of a toddler and an expectant mother.
Finally, among the programs offered by the extraordinary Children's Aid Society in Manhattan (105 E. 22nd St.) is health care for underserved children and families. Their phone is ###-###-####; however, you can find a lot of info on their Web site: www.childrensaidsociety.org/ The very best of luck to you: if you persevere, you WILL find help. Thank your lucky stars that you live in NYC; its social services are unique.

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D.

answers from New York on

You should not be concerned about getting health care. You do whatever it takes to get it. It doesn't matter how, just do. What does matter is that you have a healthy pregnancy and if you don't have health care your going to miss appointments and other things because you don't have health care. Because in a few months whether or not you have health care you are going to have this baby and it is going to cost a small fortune to do so. When my son was born (by c-section) his bill and mine (combined) was over $20,000, and this was without any complications. My daughter got jaundice and had to be put under the UV lamps. You think you have bills now. You need to do this IMMEDIATELY. whether you go with your employer's or you get state aid it does not matter., but you need to do it now. Remember, once this child is born they will have doctor visits, like 4 in the first 6 mos at least. You can not afford to wait any longer. By the time your head hits the pillow tomorrow night you need to have this done.

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E.L.

answers from New York on

Go to the state for help!! These bills do get out of control, so take whatever help you can get from medicaid. I was on it for two years during grad school and it was so helpful and amazing. They can usually retroactively pay bills to a certain point.
Good luck and peace,
E..

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A.S.

answers from Rochester on

Maybe Planned Parenthood can help?
Call your father's insurance company and make sure that's clear that you are completely off his plan - insurance companies like to mess around...
Best wishes...
A.

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D.B.

answers from New York on

http://74.6.239.67/search/cache?ei=UTF-8&p=NJ+Healthy...
That is the link for the federal program "Healthy Start" Every one is really nice and helpful. It's alot of paperwork, and hoops to jump through, but should be worth it.

this is a different link I found, but if you go thru Healthy Start they will get you all set...

http://www.hrsa.gov/reimbursement/states/New-Jersey-Eligi...

Good Luck. I went thru the same thing, and I had insurance thru the pregnancy and a few months afterward. My son still has insurance.

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E.K.

answers from New York on

where do you live? most states have free or very inexpensive healthcare if you meet certain financial criteria. in ny it's healthy ny. I've forgotten the name of the one in nj, but I know it's out there. try googling "free health insurance new jersey" I am part of a soon to be non for profit organization called The Mirror Project - we are an initiative for girls. Maybe there is some synergy there - not about health insurance, unfortunately - feel free to contact me!

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M.F.

answers from New York on

Look into public health insurance - all children get insured by the state. Child Health Plus, Family Health Plus are two of the New York products. Do a google search.
Good luck and congratulations!
M.

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N.S.

answers from Albany on

E. if you are in NY: This is from the Health Department Website...

A healthy baby starts with a healthy pregnancy.
Protect yourself and your baby.

Early and regular check-ups are important to you and your baby's health.

Here's how you can get the care you and your baby need.


Complete Pregnancy Care

The Prenatal Care Assistance Program (PCAP) can help you get the care you need for you and your baby. PCAP offers complete pregnancy care and other health care services to women and teens who live in New York State. The Medicaid Obstetrical and Maternal Services (MOMS) Program provides complete pregnancy services in areas of the state where PCAP health centers are not located. And there's no cost to eligible women who participate in MOMS or PCAP!

What Services can I get?

PCAP/MOMS offers you and your baby:


Routine pregnancy medical check-ups, lab work, and access to specialists

Hospital care during pregnancy and delivery

Information about pregnancy, labor and delivery

HIV counseling and testing

Help in applying for other programs such as WIC and low or no cost health insurance for your children and family

Full health care for you until at least two months after delivery

Health care for your baby for at least one year after birth

Family planning services

And more!

Who can get PCAP/MOMS Services?

Women and teens who live in New York State who are pregnant and meet certain income guidelines can receive complete medical care during pregnancy, delivery and for at least two months after delivery. You may be eligible even if you have health insurance.

All of your pregnancy care is confidential.

More Information


To get more information and a referral to a pregnancy care provider please call the New York State Growing Up Healthy Hotline:

1 (800) 522-5006

any time day or night including weekends. Your call is completely confidential. Please call now

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J.P.

answers from Syracuse on

try planned parenthood. They provide care on a sliding scale fee. You could also go to your local Catholic Charities office and they could steer you in the right direction. Also about the bills you have already received you could call the billing offices for those companies and explain your situation. Sometimes they will drop the bill or lower how much you owe based on your situation. Good luck and God bless.

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G.S.

answers from New York on

My sister-in-law went through the Charity Care thru the hospital vs going thru anywhere else & my nephew was a preemie so I'm sure it was a hefty bill, but I would definitely look into that. From there she was put on WIC which helped out w/formula for the baby and food for her. I'm pretty sure that she was given a lot of contacts and stuff after meeting either with the hospital or social worker, can't remember which one, but if it's there - try to apply for it. I know that she felt kind of ashamed for having to do this, but you know what - sometimes life throws us a curve & fortunately enough there may be help available. I wish you the best of luck and to be honest with you, I would contact the Department of Insurance in the state you live in & run this by them. I can't understand how they could just drop you like that. Best to you, your little boy & ur next one!

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M.U.

answers from Rochester on

If you live in New York State check in to Family Health Plus -- or Medicaid might even pay for your child's first year and all your cost for pregnancy -- Child Health Plus will help you with your children's health care cost

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T.G.

answers from New York on

You can apply for Charity care for Hospitals that you have had tests in, not for medical offices unless they are connected to a hospital. You should call Medicaid and see if in your circumstances you are eligible. I would call the insurance company and make sure that the termination was justified. Many companies have rules like full time education for you to remain on the policy until you are 23.
Good Luck

D.D.

answers from New York on

Boy you've got some great advice. I just wanted to post to let anyone who was reading this know that yes health insurance can drop you if you don't meet the guidelines for coverage. Most plans cover dependent children to age 19 and will continue coverage to age 24 as long as they are a full time student. Once you don't meet the guidelines they cease coverage and phone calls stating that there's an ongoing medical condition will not reinstate you.

If insurance cancels your coverage you are usually offered the option of cobra coverage which is expensive but for a few months it could be worth it.

A footnote would be that if your company is self insured (meaning they make up all the rules for coverage and pay the claims with their own money through an insurance company) you can contact your human resources department to see if they can make an exception.

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S.M.

answers from New York on

You need to go to your county welfare office and apply for medicaid. I don't know what your income or asset situation is, but they will be able to help you see if you qualify. You may also be able to apply for TANF to help you when you are not able to work (generally 8mos pregnant to 3 mos after delivery). Here is the link with the numbers and addresses. I had to do this when I was pregnant with my daughter. It wasnt easy and it was a hit to my pride, but I wanted to make sure my little one had health care and that I was able to have pre-natal care. Good luck. http://www.state.nj.us/humanservices/dfd/dfdcwa39.html

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V.M.

answers from New York on

Call your nearest office of Social Services and speak with a social worker. All States have State health care available for pregnant women and uninsured children.

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C.P.

answers from Buffalo on

If you live in New York look into PCAP- it is for pregnant women who don't have insurance or cannot afford otherwise. Also if you have been looking into independent insurances you will find your prenancy is a "pre-existing condition" and they will not even cover you if accepted! I know how crapy right? So really call a hospital you may like or one that is close by and ask what time they offer free pregnancy tests (mandatory) and then they will direct you to the PCAP representitive. Upon that they see if you qualify under the income guidelines (which you can google PCAP and find out for yourself) and then set up your first appt. ALSO BRING ALL THOSE BILLS YOU HAVE ALREADY GOTTEN- THIS WILL HELP YOU QUALIFY EVEN IF YOU MAKE TO HIGH OF AN INCOME! HOWEVER if you over qualify still...... I assume you still want to be seen during this delicate time so here are two options that I myself am looking into:
1. call the hospital and ask if they offer a "package fee" for all prenatal and labor visits- If so...buget! Or simply tell them you are "self-pay" and they will automatically give you a discount @ the billing time of your visit since you've saved them the hassle of filing with an insurance company.
2. Call doctors in your area and ask if they will help you in your situation... They may give you a "package or bundle deal" for your appts. but remember when you go into labor you won't be seeing your doctor in his office so even if you got a deal from the doctor, you have to pay the hospital stay bills.

also remember you can mention that you don't prefer any unnecessary treatment -- i.e. Back in the day they had no sonograms

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L.P.

answers from New York on

Hi E..

I feel for you. I had my first son through medicaid and they were wonderful to me. I was so thankful that we had somewhere to turn!! We all go through tough times but there is help. Please DO NOT neglect your health care because of this situation. The woman who commented below me who said she was a social worker gave you a number. Please don't hesitate and call today. I'm sure something will work out. Don't worry!

God bless you! :)

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K.D.

answers from New York on

http://www.njfamilycare.org/
I had no insurance with my pregnancy either, until I called NJ social services and got on NJ Familycare. It will cover everything for the pregnancy and it will keep your baby insured indefinatly, up to like maybe 50000 a year income it is free over that it's a sliding scale of affordable payments.

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S.B.

answers from Albany on

Hi E.!

The only other thing that I can add is to call the companies that are billing you and let them know the situation. Explain what happened and that you are trying to figure out a way to pay them and any help they can assist you with would be great. Sometimes/most times they reduce the amount of the bills and will work with you on some type of payment OR they can include a note in your file to hold so that it doesn't get sent to collections. It may not seem like a big deal now but when you are back on your feet you won't want to deal with bad credit....

Good luck!
S.

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K.F.

answers from New York on

You should not wait a minute sooner. Get on the phone and call m/caid. I got laid off w/ my first and lost my insurance. Thats what the taxes are for, right? Call now.
www.njfamilycare.org or call the division of family services in toms river, nj. I dont know the number and if you have a problem, call the board of health. They will help you find your way. Also, you can get wick too. (unless at your job you make too much money. at that point, i cant help) You need to keep seeing a doctor...

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A.C.

answers from New York on

E.,

You can go to your local hospital & apply for out patient charity care. They will need proof of what income you do have & expenses where you live. When I was pregnant with my 4th child, I was working but with a family of 5, a disabled husband we couldn't afford the health coverage my employer was offering either. I asked my obgyn what hosptial charity programs she was assoc. with so I could keep seeing the same doc. Otherwise, every visit may be with a different doc as they rotate. St. Joe's in Paterson is an excellent hostipal as I had the previous 3 there. Barnet was recently closed which is where I had my last one as I wanted my tubes tied. Good luck!

Ann Marie
Proud Member of the MOM Team
www.DontPayDayCare.com

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K.S.

answers from New York on

Try Healthplus. Their number is 1-800-300-8181.
I was on it when I was pregnant with my son.

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G.T.

answers from Rochester on

Check into the NJ Family Care. Here is a website with the information. http://www.njfamilycare.org/

I don't know much about the NJ plan but the NY plan covers medical bills you may have for 3 months before the insurance is applied for. In other words if you apply on October 1st (and are eventually accepted) it will cover all medical bills you had going back as far as July 1st.

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B.C.

answers from New York on

You need to call NJ family care right away. It takes some time to fill out the app with them and get the ball rolling and it doesn't sounds like you have that much time. I don't know that they will cover the expensies you already have. Sounds like you are doing this on your own so NJfamily is going to be your best bet.

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L.D.

answers from New York on

Google Family/Child Health Plus and print an application. Fill it out and go down to Social Services. No child should be with health insurance and neither should you.
Good Luck

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W.T.

answers from New York on

Try your local WIC office -- I can't remember what it stands for (women - something - children). They should know your state's info about getting insured through a welfare program. see: http://www.fns.usda.gov/wic/ Of all people that the goverment wants ensured, pregnant women are tops. When I was in Ohio in 2005, they even paid my back bills from the start date of my pregnancy. Good luck, blessings, and stay positive.

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L.L.

answers from New York on

I believe there is some sort of assistance you can get through the state...check that. It might not cover everything but it will certainly help. Good luck.
Lynsey

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N.V.

answers from New York on

find a good local clinic and try to get insurance thru the state that happened to my sister in law got pregnant and had no insurance and she got medicaid or medicare i forget which one and then after a fewmonths she got a diffrent insurance thru the state....just so you know i live in nj dont know if differetn in other states

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E.E.

answers from Albany on

Your first priority is getting on some type of health insurance, whether through your job or through the state. You should take care of this ASAP. The longer you wait, the more money you are going to have to pay in the long run. Are you sure you can't afford the health insurance premiums through your employer? talk to your HR department and see what is available. You might be surprised. The premiums are usually taken out before taxes so you are saving money by not having to pay taxes on this money. And it gets taken out of your weekly paycheck so you never miss it and you don't have to save the money. If not, you should definitely apply to the family care program. http://www.njfamilycare.org/
You can also apply to WIC now to make sure you are eating healthy. http://www.state.nj.us/health/fhs/wic/

As far as the health insurance bills for previous doctor visits, you should talk to your doctor about that because the insurance company wants money from you to give to your doctor. Call your doctor's billing dept and explain the situation and they will likely contact the insurance company for you to get them off your back. Although this means now that you will have to pay your doctor's office directly for those visits, so they will probably set up some sort of payment plan. But the good news is that usually a doctor's office bills insurance companies for things that they would not necessarily bill an individual for, so they would probably charge you less money in the long run by paying your doctor's office instead of going through the health insurance company. Does the baby's father have any money to contribute? Since this is his child too, he should be willing to pay for some of your prenatal care. Or maybe your father is willing to loan you some money to pay the bills. Then you can work out a plan with him to pay him back a certain amount of money every week without worrying about them sending you bills every month. You can take your time paying but if you do this, you have to be sure to pay your father back, even if it takes a few years. I have to stress again, that the sooner you take care of this the better because otherwise you will rack up some really huge bills, especially if you wait until after the baby is born.

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O.F.

answers from New York on

Dear E.,

I hope, you did not stop going for your prenatal visits! Those are important.
In the state of NY ALL pregnant women are covered (you can go to a local Planned Parenthood and apply for a temporary medicaid, called PCAP.) It is given to you and your unborn baby and will cover all prenatal visits, testing, and labor, and it also (I think) covers the baby for the first few months after birth.)
If you live in NJ, check with your OB/GYN, they usually have brochures with contact info about applying for a temporary coverage for pregnant women. (they may also have social workers who can help you apply). The coverage you get would most likely be retroactive, too.

Good Luck!

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M.W.

answers from New York on

Hi E. -
I read the other responses and don't have much else to offer as far as options. But - get into Medicaid if you can. If you can't and your employer health plan is all there is - you don't have much of a choice but to afford it. Your delivery alone will put you into debt that will take years to repay, nevermind if you need anything above and beyond. Health insurance is expensive, but medical bills are astronomical! Once this child is born - he/she can get into a state funded program - and as one mom pointed out - do this immediately for your other child - I don't think it costs you anything.

Good luck and I hope that you and your 2 little ones are able to get the insurance you need and you are able to get on your feet with them for years to come. Being scared can hold us captive - don't be scared - take action from this moment on to make things what they need to be. I learned a long time ago that being frightened and not looking at things for what they were ended up making poor decisions and making things worse in the end. I think it's great that you are reaching out now - there are many next steps and as long as you keep taking them - you will find that it has all worked out.

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D.B.

answers from New York on

E.,

It just so happens that my best friend's 2 daughters both recently gave birth, and neither of them were able to afford health insurance, so I can give you some advice!

If you live in the Trenton Area, call the Capital Health System's Mercer Campus, on Bellevue Avenue in Trenton. Ask for the Medicaid Office. You will need to make an appointment to go in and see them. They are very helpful, and will assist you with filling out any paperwork that is necessary to enroll you in Medicaid, prior to your baby's birth, so that you are able to get the care that you need to have a healthy baby! Once the baby is born, if you contact them again, they will assist you with getting Medicaid for your baby as well!

Do this as soon as possible! You should be thinking of yourself and your little one right now, and not worrying about expenses. Help is available for those who truly need it.

Congratulations on your pregnancy, and best wishes for a happy, healthy baby!

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A.S.

answers from Syracuse on

Look into what the state offers. I'm uncertain what NJ offers people. But here in NY like others have said, Healthy NY, Child Health Plus, Family Health Plus. Also in NY we have a program called PCAP, Prenatal Care Assistance Program. I qualified for this program with working my 40 hours a week. It's a wonderful program. They get you inrolled in WIC, Women, Infants and Children program. They also get you qualified for Medicaid.
Does NJ have Planned Parenthood? If so they should be able to direct you to some programs or even some sort of insurance.
Good Luck.

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J.C.

answers from New York on

Hi E.,

Please call the insurance company who dropped you and let them know that at the time they cancelled your policy you were 4 months pregnant. And don't just speak to any old rep, insist on a manager. There is a very good chance that they cannot drop you while you are pregnant.

If you have not been getting prenatal care since the bills all started to come in, go to Planned Parenthood or another local women's health organization and have a check up! It's more important to be seen than to worry about paying the bill.

Hang in there and have a healthy pregnancy and baby!

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S.P.

answers from New York on

Hi E.,

Sorry to hear about your situation, you have a ton of great responses below.

I would first call the insurance company. Usually when they approve the pregnancy when you first notified them, they should take care of the entire pregnancy and all that comes with it. I know this used to be the case and now insruance companies are changing their method of business - but I would go straight to them first, its unfair for them to push you around like that.... they didn't even give you the option of going on Cobra either.

Good Luck!!

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M.B.

answers from New York on

I am so sorry you are going thru this, it is stressful enough to be pg w/ a second baby coming, you shouldn't need to be worrying about health insurance too! Definately reach out to the state. They will cover you! Also if you are getting medical bills you should make payment plans to pay what you can afford. They can bill you whatever they want, but it doesn't mean you have to pay the whole bill. You can pay 10 dollars a month and they can't put you in collection or anything. It happened to someone I know.
Good luck!

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C.C.

answers from Syracuse on

I am not sure what state that you live in, but NY you may qualify for presumptive medicaid(this covers all visits until your medicaid or blue choice option is opened). Medicaid covers all bills they can even go back (I believe three months)to cover back bills. I had to go through this because I lost my job just after finding out that I was pregnant (due to grant for job funding was lost) and my husband's insurance was way to expensive. Anyways, you should go to your local Social Services department and see if you qualify. If your county has a facilitated enroller (this is a person that will do the interview for medicaid outside of DSS) this may be easier. I went through a facilitated enroller and got the presumptive medicaid so that I could still get prescriptions and go to the doctor's. Basically it makes the social services medicaid department open your case sooner than the 30 days that it would normally have to open a case. (I used to work at the front desk for a social services in upstate NY). Just so you know...they can't deny a pregnant woman medicaid. And you will be covered for up to 6 weeks after the baby is born. The baby is guaranteed for a year after it is born.
Good luck to you and your family.

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