Minnesota Health Insurances That Cover Home Births

The option to give birth at home is a choice all women should have. This is echoed by both federal and state governments, which have enacted laws giving women this option of birthing and ensuring that women are protected from malpractice should they choose this option. Many insurance companies will cover the cost, at least in part, of a home birth. Having a midwife willing to advocate for you, work with you and code the procedures properly is key to ensuring coverage.

The Medica Advantage

• Medica seems to be the top insurance company covering home births in the state of Minnesota. The key is to allow your midwife do the paperwork and coding of services to get it paid for. If you try to get preapproval or find out if you have coverage for that service, you will probably be told "no," which is why it helps to have your midwife deal with the company for you. It is known that home births are less expensive than hospital births, but from an insurance standpoint they carry more risk, which is why insurance companies are often reluctant to approve them.

Other Types of Coverage

• Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota, United Healthcare, Aetna and other lesser known insurance companies may also cover services. It often depends on who your provider is and how the procedures are covered. Here again, it will be an advantage to have your midwife advocating for you.

Public Assistance

• Minnesota has two public assistance options under the larger brand of the Medicaid program: Medical Assistance and Minnesota Care. The General Medical Assistance Program was phased out due to budget cuts. It is unclear if those who had this coverage at phase-out will continue to hold that coverage or be transferred to another active program. Public assistance programs receive federal funds, and federal law mandates that home birth must be an option to women.