Pregnancy W/o Maternity Insurance?

I have had three kids and about to have my 4th at 40. I only had maternity coverage on my first. Basically, I made payment arrangements with my docs office on the others which worked out to $225 per month then I made cash arrangements with the hospital that I chose, $2044. After it was all said and done, it cost me few thousand less then if I had used maternity coverage. Most places can cut you a deal if you are paying cash. You may want to check with your regular coverage. My insurance will cover any complications of the pregnancy and the baby is covered immediately upon birth.

I say drop the maternity.

Good luck.

Forgive me, I am a little confused. Do you have 2 separate insurances...one medical and one maternity? I never had "maternity" insurance (actually didn't know there was such a thing). I had medical insurance and it covered the pregnancy. I would check your regular medical insurance and find out what it covers regarding pregnancy and the birth?

If you are 40 you will be considered high risk (which is why your insurance is so high). So if you really want another baby (as in you're not on birth control) keep paying for it. Advanced maternal age means extra exams, a c-section starts around $10,000 if you have no complications whatsoever. And no, regular insurance that has maternity as an exclusion will not cover ANY pregnancy related costs, unless they are spelled out in the policy (that includes a possible miscarriage, which are even more common in older women).
I have a friend who is self employed and only had catastrophic coverage w/o maternity. They ended up having twins unexpectedly, they were born premature and each baby received over $1 million worth of medical care. The kids are now in school and they are still paying down those bills... since their income was too high for Medicaid.
Good luck!

No, regular insurance wouldn't cover a c-section - that's a maternity care procedure. Why do you think you have to have another c-section? Just find a care provider who knows that VBAC is a safe option. Me? I'd get a midwife and do it at home. WAY cheaper without insurance and much more likely to help you have a safe non-surgical birth.
I just Googled "homebirth in IL" and it came up with these resources first:
http://www.google.com/search?q=homebirth+in+IL&ie=utf...

PM me if you want any more info about the safety of homebirth and the safety of VBAC vs. repeat c-section.

there is vbac, vaginal birth after c-section but that is not always possible. maybe find out what the prices are at different hospitals. i know some hospitals will work with parents w/o medical ins. also check your regular medical ins and find out if it covers the birth?

Well, based on bills after my first child - with a normal vaginal delivery - I delivered at Lutheran General, and just the delivery alone was $20K once all the meds, epidural, hospital suite, etc....were included.

That DOES NOT include any pre-natal visits. Figure each of those will cost approx $200 just for the doctor's visit, then you have to factor in ultrasounds (mine were $500 each) and any meds/testing you may need due to being "high risk" (over 35)....

I'd say that if you really think that you might get pregnant, then you'd better keep it. Unless you're looking to take preventative measures, like BC or sterilization...