There’s a reason why giving birth is so expensive: According to health-care expert Sarah O’Leary, founder of Exhale Healthcare Advocates, a national consumer health-care advocacy organization, childbirth is one of the most expensive payouts for insurance companies, and more than 300,000 American women give birth every month. Customers often have to face someor allof the financial load since insurance firms make money by taking in more than they pay out.
Every hospital, according to O’Leary, determines the cost of a test, treatment, prescription, and even a blanket on its own. She claims that this billing approach frequently results in “wildly inflated” rates that differ from hospital to hospitaleven when comparing hospitals in the same neighborhood. “We may not be touched by this since insurance companies have negotiated rates with their favored hospitals,” she says, “but patients can be put at risk when insurers don’t cover some inflated charges totally or in part.”
Also concerning: a 2009 University of Minnesota research found that 30 to 40% of all medical bills contain mistakes.
While the cost of giving birth is determined by a number of factors, including your level of insurance, deductible, hospital charges, and whether the hospital and care providers are in-network, health-care expert Caitlin Donovan, a director at the National Patient Advocate Foundation, says it is possible to keep high bills at bay.
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To begin, call the hospital where you plan to give birth and see if they are part of your insurance network. Most individuals are unaware that, even if your doctor is in network, you may not be in network at the hospital where you choose to give birth. “Some neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) can be hired by the hospital,” she explains, adding that “if your child ends up in NICU, it might not be covered either.” Furthermore, if you want to have an epidural, your insurance may not cover the anesthesiologist. They’re also “infamous” for being off the grid, according to Donovan. She also suggests that you inquire about it during your phone call.
Does Cigna cover labor?
The Cigna HealthCare national maternity policy, which went into effect on January 1, 1998, covers 48 hours of hospitalization after a normal vaginal delivery and 96 hours after an uncomplicated Caesarean section, in accordance with federal law.
How much is an epidural?
You may scream at the prospect of foregoing the epidural, but it’s crucial to understand that doing so will result in a higher hospital bill. In 2016, the average cost of an epidural was $2,132, according to FAIR Health, a health-care non-profit that maintains a national database of insurance claims.
When is an epidural medically necessary?
An epidural relieves pain in a specific area of the body, in this case the lower half. Women frequently opt for one. If there are difficulties, such as those that result in a cesarean delivery, it’s also occasionally a medical necessity (C-section).
It takes about 10 minutes to place an epidural and another 10 to 15 minutes for it to work. It’s injected into the spine through a tube.
Benefits
The most significant advantage of an epidural is the possibility of a painless birth. While contractions may still occur, the pain is considerably reduced. You can move around and are aware of the birth during a vaginal delivery.
In a cesarean delivery, an epidural is also required to alleviate the discomfort of medically removing a baby from the womb. In some circumstances, where the mother is not awake during the procedure, general anesthetic is employed.
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the number of cesarean deliveries increased by 72 percent from 1997 to 2008, which could explain epidurals’ ongoing popularity.
While some cesarean deliveries are optional, the majority are needed if vaginal delivery is not possible. It is possible to give birth vaginally after a cesarean section, but not for all women.
Risks
Because epidurals prevent moms from feeling all aspects of delivery, they can cause a slew of other issues, such as an increased chance of tearing during vaginal delivery.
Cesarean deliveries have risks that aren’t always linked to the epidural. These are procedures, not vaginal births, thus recuperation durations are longer and infection is a possibility.
Cesarean births have also been related to an increased risk of chronic disorders in children (including type 1 diabetes, asthma, and obesity). More investigation is required.
Does Cigna cover pregnancy?
So, where do you begin? Enroll in the Cigna Healthy Pregnancy, Healthy Babies program if you have a Cigna health coverage. It’s a program that aims to keep you and your baby healthy during your pregnancy and in the days and weeks after birth.
Does Cigna cover pregnancy ultrasounds?
This policy covers the use of obstetric ultrasonography throughout pregnancy. Medically essential are up to two (2) regular two-dimensional (2D) standard or limited obstetrical ultrasound examinations (CPT codes 76801, 76805, 76811, 76815).
Does Cigna cover breast pumps?
, most insurance companies must pay the cost of a twin electric breast pump for breastfeeding mothers. Cigna deems a manual or standard electric breast pump to be medically necessary for the initiation or continuation of breastfeeding, and most plans will pay the expense totally. Moms should call Cigna to confirm their coverage and see if they need a prescription from their doctor to get their breast pump covered.
Is birth control free with Cigna?
Female birth control pills, sterilization, devices, goods, and services are all covered by Cigna without any cost-sharing restrictions.
Does Cigna cover genetic testing for pregnancy?
Cigna will cover the embryo biopsy procedure to extract the cell and genetic testing associated with preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) under the basic medical benefits of the plan if the particular criteria listed below are met.
How much do Obgyn charge for delivery?
More than only the expense of childbirth is included in the costs of having a baby. Prenatal care, including routine check-ups, tests, and prenatal care, are also included in these costs. According to data compiled by FAIR Health, the average cost of having a baby via vaginal delivery ranges from $5,000 to $11,000 in most states.
The whole duration of care, the obstetrician’s fee (including prenatal care), the anesthesiologist’s fee, and the hospital care fee are all included in these costs. A Cesarean or C-section birth costs between $7,500 and $14,500 on average. Complications during labor, whether vaginal or C-section, will raise the costs of childbirth.