With the exorbitant costs of maternity insurance, many couples are turning to maternity cards. This is an insurance alternative for those couples who do not earn a sufficient amount to be able to afford maternity insurance.


Qualification Criteria

While this is an affordable option for coverage towards maternity expenses, the fact is that not everyone can qualify for a maternity card. If a woman is pregnant and does not have any pregnancy insurance, she would be eligible for the card but if she has Medicaid she would not qualify for it. In the same instance, if the woman is paying all expenses towards the pregnancy she would be entitled to a maternity card but if she is making an application for Medicaid, she would not. Those with insurance that include maternity plans are not eligible. Minors supported by an adult signature qualify for the card but not in the case of women who already have access to Military Tri-Care Facilities.


How it Works

It is important to note the fact that a maternity card is not representative of a maternity insurance plan and neither is it a kind of discount card. The purpose of the card is not to negotiate or reduce maternity expenses for the person; instead, it works by re-pricing the standard fees applicable towards maternity costs. This process is aimed at reducing the overall expenses associated with pregnancy.

Since the card has been initiated by a prominent healthcare organization that has contacts across scores of PPO networks, it is possible to bring about a price reduction with such affiliates. Compared to conventional maternity insurance plans, a maternity card will certainly not provide the same extent of services. However, if a pregnant woman does not have sufficient funds to be able to afford maternity insurance, she can receive valuable financial assistance with the help of the maternity card.


Easy Access

It is possible to get access to this program even after a couple has conceived. Unlike most standard maternity insurance plans, which treat pregnancy as a pre-existing condition, this option allows a more flexible approach. Even couples who are planning to conceive can join in the program. Average fees differ across companies but payments of monthly premiums help to receive savings on lab work, sonograms, counseling, doctor visits, hospital stays as well as many other associated expenses when having a child. The discounts are also applicable for newborn test procedures, prescription drugs, immunization procedures as well as checkups. Expenses associated with the care of a newborn are also included automatically as part of the program.

One of the constraints regarding the maternity card is that it only allows expecting couples to leverage doctors within their own network. There will typically be a national maternity network preferred provider listing and the couple will need to select a provider from this list. In this case it is recommended to research the providers in order to choose a favorable option.