How to plan a birth in the USA
On average, giving birth in the US costs about $13 before insurance kicks in, making it the second most expensive country in the world to give birth to a baby after Japan. For comparison, here is the average cost of childbirth in several other countries: Japan $811, Australia $61, UK $810, Canada $5312, Russia $4609-3195. How much you'll actually pay depends on a number of factors, including the state in which you give birth, your insurance, and complications during childbirth. Here are 950 main factors that can affect the cost:
1. Your insurance
What insurance usually covers:
• Doctor's fees
• Hospital fees
• Prescription drugs
• Laboratory work
• Pediatric child care
The amount your insurance company covers depends largely on your deductible and whether your doctor is in network. If you don't have insurance, it's worth contacting your state Medicaid office to see if you qualify for coverage. If you don't qualify for Medicaid, you can find other low-cost health insurance programs or financial assistance through:
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Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children
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Children's Health Insurance Program
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Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
2. Where will you give birth?
Average cost of childbirth in the least expensive states: Mississippi $7639, Oklahoma $9, Kansas $111. Average cost of childbirth in the most expensive states: California $9867, Alaska $19, Oregon $230 Even within the same state, the cost of childbirth can vary greatly between hospitals.
3. Your birth plan
Here are some things you can expect to be paid for as part of your birth plan:
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Cost of your doctor's services
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Your hospital room
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Laboratory tests for you and your child
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Anesthesia
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Epidural injections and other medications used to relieve pain
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Postpartum care
Depending on your health plan, all of these services may count toward your deductible or separate copays may apply.
4. Possible complications
Not everything always goes according to plan, and possible complications can increase the cost of childbirth by 20-25%. For example, giving birth to a premature baby costs four times more. If your doctor thinks labor might put you or your baby at risk, he or she will recommend a caesarean section, which will incur additional costs.
How to minimize costs?
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Take a closer look at the cost of childbirth in different hospitals.
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Check out maternity packages that include detailed services for a flat fee and often with discounts.
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Ask your doctor about the cost of any additional services or products he or she offers that are not covered by your insurance so you know what to expect.
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Ask if your hospital outsources its emergency care team, as this may mean the service is out of network. The No Surprises Act does not provide protection from charges for out-of-network ground ambulances if you need emergency transport to a hospital for delivery.
The bottom line is that asking for an estimate from your doctor or facility can help you plan financially for your birth.
Author Elina Linderman
