Pregnant without Health Insurance in GA

Being pregnant without health insurance in Georgia can be a daunting prospect. We get several calls each month from people who are pregnant without health insurance in GA. I can sense the tension in their tones when they ask me about the maternity benefits of health insurance companies in Georgia.

Unfortunately there are no individual health insurance plans in Georgia which will accept a pre-existing pregnancy. And to make matters worse, individual health insurance policies in Georgia cannot be purchased for women with a pre-existing pregnancy.

Many times some people will be offended and say, “what good is health insurance in GA if I can’t get it when I need it?” I have to explain to them that a pre-existing pregnancy is like a guaranteed claim for a health insurance company. And no health insurance provider in Georgia will grant insurance cover in those circumstances.

Just as we can’t practice fire prevention after a fire, you must have proper health insurance benefits for maternity before you get pregnant.

The stark fact is this: women must ideally purchase health insurance with maternity benefits before they got pregnant.

However, women do have some options for pregnancy and maternity without insurance in GA.

• If you are eligible to join a group health insurance plan in GA through you or your spouse’s employer, under HIPPA laws, pregnancy cannot be excluded in a group health insurance plan in Georgia. This applies even if you join an employer with a pre-existing pregnancy. The only caveat is that your employer's health plan must have maternity insurance benefits.
• If your household income falls below certain poverty levels, you may want to inquire about Georgia’s Medicaid program for pregnant mothers. If you are eligible, Georgia’s Medicaid plan will pay for your maternity and pregnancy expenses in GA.
• Fee for service plans are also available in the Atlanta area for pregnant mothers without health insurance. Certain hospitals and clinics in the Atlanta area will provide women without health insurance with the necessary pre-natal care as well as 2-3 days in the hospital for the mother and baby for a flat fee rate.

You can also check with:

* Sheffield Clinic, Downtown Atlanta (404) 265-4940
* Crawford Long Hospital
* Planned Parenthood GA

You may also be able to negotiate your pregnancy healthcare costs with your doctors and hospitals in Georgia. Most healthcare providers in GA will work with you if you are willing to work with them.