Maternity Health Insurance in Texas

The average cost of a hospital baby delivery is between $9,000 and $17,000 as of 2008, according to CostHelper.com. Maternity insurance coverage can reduce these costs to approximately $3,000 or less.

Types

• Women can obtain maternity insurance coverage in Texas in several ways. Employer or group-based plans provide most maternity benefits. For those without access to employer health benefits, some individual health plans may provide maternity riders at an additional charge. Mothers may also qualify for pregnancy Medicaid based on income.

Laws

• According to Texas law, group health insurance plans with maternity coverage that provide benefits to at least 15 people must cover a minimum of a 48-hour hospital stay after an uncomplicated delivery. The insurance carrier must also automatically add the newborn child to the insurance policy for a minimum of 31 days after delivery without parental notification.

Considerations

• For mothers who cannot find or afford coverage, a local hospital may be able to help. Some hospitals offer large discounts for maternity services paid in full before delivery. Others may allow patients to make payments in installments over time.