How to Change Insurance During Prenatal Care

Pregnancy can be an exciting and stressful time. While you are still carrying on with your regular life, you have to take good care of yourself and your baby. Worrying about health insurance is not something you want to do. If you have to change your health insurance during your pregnancy, don't worry. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) says that if you were previously covered by group health insurance, are pregnant and have to change jobs, you cannot be denied health insurance just because you're pregnant.

Instructions

• 1

  Check the specifics of your new employer's plan to be certain that you are covered. If your new employer's plan doesn't offer maternity or prenatal care, you are not entitled to it under the law.

• 2

  Find out how long you need to be employed before you qualify for coverage. Some companies or health plans require that you are employed for 30 days before you receive coverage. If you are nearing the end of your pregnancy, you may want to may qualify to keep your previous coverage under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA). You will have to pay the full premium, but it may be better than being on the hook for any larger charges you may incur.

• 3

  Call your local health department and find out if you qualify for Medicaid. State health programs like Medicaid will often provide prenatal and well child care to those in need. If you are unable to get insurance coverage from your new employer (or partner's new employer) during your pregnancy, this may be a path to consider.

• 4

  Let your doctor or midwife know you will be changing coverage. You may need to select a new health care provider through your new insurance plan. Ask the doctor or midwife for a referral if this is the case.

• 5

  Take notes from both your health care provider's office and any exchanges you have with the customer care people from your insurance office and your human resources department. Understanding what each is telling you is important, as is being able to communicate what you've been told. Make sure you write down the names and phone numbers of all people you talk to regarding your insurance coverage.