Help for Expecting Mothers With No Insurance

Pregnant women need routine checkups to ensure both their health and the health of their unborn child. Without insurance the cost of these doctors' visits and the added cost of the delivery can put a financial strain on families. Many federally run programs supply low-cost or free healthcare, provide food assistance or offer counseling for pregnant women.

Medicaid

• Medicaid is a federally funded program that provides free or low-cost healthcare to needy individuals. Medicaid works like regular health insurance. Under the program, women can visit a primary care physician that accepts Medicaid for regular checkups and other prenatal care needs. Medicaid will pay for all or most of the visit. Medicaid may also cover the cost of labor. Eligibility for Medicaid is determined by each state. However, general eligibility requirements include having a low income, and having a medical need such as pregnancy, according to the US Department of Health and Human Services.

The Children's Health Insurance Program

• The Children's Health Insurance Program, or CHIP, provides healthcare services to children and pregnant women who are not eligible for Medicaid, but do not make enough income to afford private health insurance. Under the program, pregnant women will receive free or discounted prenatal care until their child is born. After delivery, the CHIP program extends to the child and helps cover the cost of vaccinations, routine checkups and other medical needs. Eligibility, program rules and benefits depend on state regulations.

WIC

• WIC is a supplemental nutrition assistance program for women, infants and children. Under the WIC program, pregnant women can receive monthly food coupons they can use to purchase healthy food for themselves and their unborn child. After delivery, mothers can continue to purchase healthy foods and baby formula. WIC also offers free health screenings, breastfeeding classes and counseling to expecting mothers. Eligibility for WIC depends on residency and income level. All applicants must submit to an evaluation by a healthcare professional to determine if they are at risk for poor nutrition, according to the United States Department of Agriculture.

Planned Parenthood

• Planned Parenthood, which offers low-cost healthcare services to women, has branches throughout the United States. Most facilities have a wide range of services from annual exams to pregnancy counseling. Pregnant women can receive regular checkups and other prenatal care needs through Planned Parenthood with or without insurance. Planned Parenthood charges vary by location and income level.