The Business of Being Born Message Board

Q: I am wondering if there are any resources out there for moms who desire a homebirth, but don’t have the financial support for it. I am pregnant, and because my Texas health insurance and my Medicaid (my secondary insurance) will not cover midwifery services in my town, I am facing a hospital birth out of mere financial necessity - when having a homebirth would be a less expensive option for both my insurance and the taxpayers!
Martha

A: Dear Martha,

I applaud your desire to do what’s best for you and your baby. Unfortunately, many state funded insurance programs do not reimburse enough to adequately pay home birth providers for their services. All home birth providers and their clients know how much more cost-effective midwifery care and/or home birth is than hospital-based services, and it is frustrating to see health care plans spend thousands of unnecessary dollars per birth, especially when our own tax dollars are being used.

I am not aware of any financial resources specifically for women desiring home birth. As a midwife, I serve clients with the following forms of payment methods: private insurance, state Medicaid, and self-pay. In my state, Medicaid will not adequately reimburse for a home birth, so our clients on Medicaid must choose between giving birth with us in our hospital (which is covered) or paying us our cash fee for a home birth. Most home birth providers are willing to come up with payment plans and/or offer discounts to families paying for services in cash. Some will even barter if you have your own services or products to offer.

I am hopeful that insurance companies and state health insurance programs will heed to the consumer demand for midwifery services. I encourage you to contact both your insurance company and state legislators to voice your concern over the use of their health care dollars.

Best wishes,
Amy
Amy Willen, CNM
www.awomansplacechicago.com
“If we hope to create a non-violent world where respect and kindness replace fear and hatred… We must begin with how we treat each other at the beginning of life. For that is where our deepest patterns are set. From these roots grow fear and alienation… or love and trust” ~ Suzanne Arms peace on earth begins with birth ~ support midwives