elective induction & insurance coverage?

audie2goose · May 2012

Hi All,

due to an impending death of my stepfather in the next two weeks coinciding with my due date I am considering an elective induction for our third child... I'm already 3cm dilated, baby is measuring on target, and is otherwise healthy. They would induce after 39 weeks in hopes of me being able to see/be there for the final days of my stepfathers life. My dr has offered me this option. My question is: is this usually covered by insurance? It would be "elective" so I'm not sure, and I'm having a really hard time getting a clear answer from anyone. We have bcbs.

greengirl0909 · May 2012

I think this is a question for your doctor. What reason will he be giving for early induction? I think they usually have to offer a medical reason in order to make that happen.

Kristinmo · May 2012

I would not think its an issue with insurance. They are going to have to pay for your delivery either way, you are just changing the timing. You can call to get it pre-approved just in case.

I'm sorry about your step father.

mrs+harlow · May 2012

Kristinmo:
I would not think its an issue with insurance. They are going to have to pay for your delivery either way, you are just changing the timing. You can call to get it pre-approved just in case.
I'm sorry about your step father.

Insurance companies do not usually cover medically unnecessary procedures , so that is why she is asking. An induction for this reason would be considered elective /medically unnecessary .

OP- so sorry you are having to go through this, perhaps you can call your doctor's office back and ask what code they would be using for the induction so you can see if it is covered. Your doctor must have some sort of plan there because I can't imagine her offering to do it but coding it as something elective.