Pregnant - FSA for next year?

periwinkleblue

It's open enrollment time at our employer for next year's benefits. We're wondering how much flexible spending $ we should put in, considering we'll be having our baby next year.

We're on PPO (Blue Shield) and I know each insurance coverage is different, but we have no idea how much it costs to deliver a baby so we can't calculate how much insurance will pay (for a normal birth).

Any ideas/tips?

NorcalLinds

The OB office was really helpful when we switched to a PPO. They were able to call the insurance company and figure out how much out of pocked it was going to cost based on a "normal birth". We met our deductible pretty quickly. 

Structenggal

NorcalLinds:

The OB office was really helpful when we switched to a PPO. They were able to call the insurance company and figure out how much out of pocked it was going to cost based on a "normal birth". We met our deductible pretty quickly. 

Yeah, I think you'll need to talk to your insurance and OB office to figure out how much you will have to pay. With my plan, my insurance doesn't kick in until I meet my deductible, and then everything is "free" to me.  BUT, I did just see the bills for our delivery and hospital stay.  I had a C-section and we were in the hospital for 4 days.  It was $40k for me and $14k for DS2. 

 ETA:  I was able to look up the info from DS1's birth last year.  It was a vaginal birth and we were in the hospital for 2 nights (Wed night to Fri morning).  $20k for me and $6k for DS1. 

AngieW1979

What is your deductible and coinsurance?  Remeber, your FSA funds can be used for out of pocket dental expenses, glasses, prescriptions, etc.  Don't forget to consider DH's needs too.  If he pays for dental work out of pocket, add that to your FSA account too.

periwinkleblue

AngieW1979:

What is your deductible and coinsurance? 

I believe I have $200/individual and $400/family deductible. My benefits say I have to pay 10% of the cost for prenatal/maternity visits/hospital services, etc. (If i'm understanding it correctly). I believe I also have a 1K out of pocket maximum. I guess I have to double check what expenses are applied to deductible/out of pocket. (and individual vs family)

Thanks ladies!

 

Structenggal

Generally, the out of pocket maximum includes anything that you pay for your deductible.  I'd check and see if there is a different OOP max for an individual vs a family and then cover the OOP max on my FSA/HSA.