so scared about hospital bill

[Alexk123]

So I have anthem heathkeepers insurance. It's not very good, I could end up paying up to 6,000 out of pocket before they start helping with the delivery costs. How much is it on average for an uncomplicated vaginal birth, possibly without the epidural? I heard they cost $1200, yikes! If so, I'll try to avoid it!

[ALR2014]

I think when it comes to your health and safety you just do what you gotta do. It's gonna need hard and painful. I know the cost is scary but you have to do what's best for you and baby

[haleygriffith]

When it comes to birth worry about the cost later. You wont have to pay it all at once. You maybe in debt for awhile but do whatever is safest for you and your baby.

[Jonesy2015]

With my first I paid almost 6k. Yes it was a lot but worth it. I was also doing it all on my own. It's hard and hospitals can be awful about payments but do what is good for the baby and yourself and put money last.

[LynxLove]

It costs $4k cash for a no intervention birth. Last pregnancy I didn't have health insurance and we paid upfront.

[allsnowwhite]

I'm a ftm, I was kinda perplexed by the out of pocket cost of a hospital birth even with insurance.lol. All is well

[alexis444]

Are you in the US?

[EllaMari]

It depends on where you live in New York state it can cost $5,000-$10,000.

[Alexk123]

Yes I'm in the United states, I'm in southern Virginia. And I will do what's best for my baby and I, just want to be as prepared as I can, and save as much as I can so we can be more stable in the near future

[mashamaria]

This is a complicated pregnancy here...just wanted to share this crazy bill.... It costed around 54k for me to deliver at 31 weeks plus being at the hospital for 10 days on bed rest before that. Crazy! Now I am waiting for my baby bill... She was at the nicu for 4 weeks. Thank god insurance civer most of the cost. But still... It is unbelievably expensive. Too much on my mind.

[Alexk123]

Wow that's crazy expensive! I hope you and your baby are doing well!

[Miyu19]

Maybe try looking at this and see if you quilify for assistance. My friend used it in Cali... It helped cut the the cost tremendously for her

http://www.dss.virginia.gov/benefit/medical_assistance/

[lguzmom]

My first baby was $12K for an uncomplicated vaginal delivery. We went home less than 24 hrs after he was born. Epidural was $2,500. That was 3 years ago. Second was born at home $3K for everything.

[sunshinebaby2015]

I have had the same job for 15 yrs and my youngest is the 11,  I will pay more for this Little girl to be born then what I paid for both of them put together. Our system is stinks and is for everyone that is lazy or foreign

I love going to Walmart and the Dr. And they can't even speak English to use the WIC. AND eldest child comes to Dr.  To be a Translator.  

[sunshinebaby2015]

However,  I hope the help is life changing for them and the next generation

[watermelon15]

There are a few things you can do to cut the cost. When you register talk to them about it. My friend cut back a LOT by bringing her own diapers, wipes, blankets, band aids even. Her own nasal sucker, pacifiers, formula and bottles. They chose not to stay the 24 hours unless it was necessary for the baby. She didn't have an iv for fluids, she just sipped water and ate ice chips, and that alone saved her over $800. They charge you for every single thing in that room. So talk about bringing what you can to save some money. I'm going to talk to my hospital about it when I register. I will let you know how it goes.

[Alexk123]

I was wondering about the iv costs, thanks! I'll definitely ask about all of that!

[watermelon15]

She still got the hep-lock or whatever it's called. The thing in your hand, but she didn't have an iv hooked up. She did end up needing pitocin because her contractions stopped. You just have to talk to your hospital, sew what they allow your to use of your own and what options your doctor is ok with. Not all doctors will let you go without and iv or feel comfortable using your baby stuff. Her advice is buy it new and leave it in a package. That away they won't say they can't use it for sanitary reasons.

[anwhatin1]

OMG if feel bad for u women I live in Canada and we don't pay for our health care. I can't imagine the stress this puts on u especially during this time. I hope all goes well for everyone

[Kasai3163]

In my state the epidural costs 3000$ watch out! Haha I'm worried about the same thing

[mashamaria]

Update. Got a bill from nicu... It is 220k... Aaaaaaa! and my baby only was there 4 weeks. Prices in USA are super crazy!

[stephanies2ndbaby]

madness here in uk the nhs covers all costs feel bad that its costung you ladies soo much money x

[eesscott]

Here, a non complicated delivery can cost $5-8k without insurance. I am budgeting to pay about $2000.  Thankfully, hospitals are pretty good about setting up payment plans so if you talk to them, you shouldn't have to pay it all in one big chunk.  Also, make sure you go over your bill VERY closely and match the charges up with your insurance "explanation of benefits" papers.  There are mistakes in there ALL the time and they overcharge regularly.  (There never seems to be any mistakes where they undercharge..... heh)

You could also call your insurance and have them tell you what it will likely cost you. Just because you have a $6k out of pocket, may not mean that nothing is covered before that. Maybe. They would also have great records about what deliveries cost in your area.

[eesscott]

Mashamaria:  thank goodness we are all required to have insurance now, right!  With out of pocket maximums and lifetime maximums, you should only have to pay a very small fraction of that.  When I was a seemingly healthy 21yrs old, I had a health scare that put me in the ICU and hospital for 2 months and a bill of $800,000+.  Amen for insurance which took care of all but a fraction...!