Getting covered with insurance when it's impossible to GET COVERED!

nerdyfeather · August 2016

Ladies, I need some advice:
I'm a first time mommy to be... and I am struggling to find insurance. I am in the waiting boat to get covered at my job because I missed the deadline for coverage. Once I can apply, I won't have coverage until Feb 2017. I am due in March! I do not qualify for the special enrollment period because I haven't "HAD a baby" (and a page on the healthcare.gov website states "having a baby" and when I called to follow up they were just stumped, but told me I just don't qualify.)

I have applied for pregnancy medicaid but I make too much, and I also make too much for CHIPS. I feel like I am stuck between a rock and a hard place. My first appointment with my OB is tomorrow (8 1/2 weeks along) and we have chosen to do cash pay for now. It's just going to be SO expensive.

Has ANYONE found any loopholes to get covered? Do you have any advice for me? I really need to have insurance. But, it seems so impossible at this point. *I live in the DFW are in Texas in case this matters at all*

Thanks in advance for any advice or recommendations!

disneybaby84 · August 2016

I currently have insurance, so I'm not sure about that. However I too live in the DFW area and am seeing Dr. Darren Tate, been to 3 appointments so far and like him a lot. I know he takes several types of insurance

wintersong · August 2016

I don't know if this is true, but I'm just shooting from the hip here. Is it possible to buy insurance through a state exchange (obamacare esque) for a limited period of time?

I also dont know how you feel about this, but a gofundme to help with costs?

peony2418 · August 2016

I'm in DFW too! I've never really heard anything about it, but maybe work with a discount plan? There's one described here: https://americanpregnancy.org/planning/maternity-insurance-for-pregnant-women/

I'm not sure whether it's legit or not, just passing it along. Good luck finding something!

AverageAsh · August 2016

Oh my gosh, how stressful! Can you be seen at a women's clinic?

bubbybear15 · August 2016

Free clinic or planned parenthood should be able to give you a discounted rate.

kap1988 · August 2016

https://optionline.org/center-locator/

One of these pregnancy centers in your area might be able to answer your questions and provide some resources

sunshine507 · August 2016

+1 for using Planned Parenthood as a resource, when I was freelancing the local one not only saw me on sliding scale for a yearly exam but gave me info on getting a plan on my own through the local BCBS (this was pre-Obamacare).

GoldenTMama · August 2016

I agree with PPs. Check with your local Planned Parenthood or clinic. I know in California (pre-Obamacare) Planned Parenthood would let you sign up for a women's health card that allowed for free/low cost exams and prescriptions, maybe TX Planned Parenthood has some information or a program like that.