If you are pregnant when you join a group health plan, such as one offered through an employer, the plan must cover services for your pregnancy and delivery. However, if you buy individual health insurance, services for this pregnancy may not be covered. Check with your health plan.
Ask your doctor or health plan about classes on childbirth, breastfeeding, nutrition, and exercise during pregnancy.
Choosing an Obstetrician and Hospital
An obstetrician is a doctor who specializes in pregnancy and delivery.
- You can see an obstetrician in your health plan's network without a referral.
- When you choose an obstetrician, ask which network hospital you will go to for the birth.
- The law protects your right to continuity of care during your pregnancy. This means that if your doctor leaves your plan after you are 6 months pregnant, you can usually see the same doctor until after the birth. Check with your plan.
- By law, health plans must cover at least 2 days in the hospital after a vaginal delivery and 4 days after a delivery by C-section.
Make Sure Your Baby Is Insured
If you have a baby or adopt a child, ask your health plan or your employer how to add your new baby or child to your health plan. You must enroll your child within 30 days after the birth or adoption to continue health benefits for your child.
Resources
AIM Program
Low-cost health insurance for low- to middle-income pregnant women and infants
1-800-433-2611 (many languages)
www.aim.ca.gov (Spanish)
Healthy Families
State program with low-cost health and dental insurance for children in low-income families
1-800-880-5305 (many languages)
www.healthyfamilies.ca.gov (Spanish)
KidsHealth
Information on children's health
www.kidshealth.org (Spanish)
National Hispanic Prenatal Helpline
Información sobre el embarazo, parto y el cuidado de los infants
Information about pregnancy, birth, and child care
1-800-504-7081 (Spanish)
www.hispanichealth.org (Spanish)