My wife and I are planning to start our family soon, and we’re both on employer-sponsored health insurance plans. I’m interested in learning about supplemental or short-term additional coverage options, as our current healthcare plan may not be sufficient. I’ve heard that having a baby can be expensive, and I want to ensure my wife gets the care she needs during pregnancy and childbirth. I’ve looked into supplemental and short-term plans in Utah but haven’t found much information. Any advice or direction would be appreciated
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Short-term plans and supplemental plans serve different purposes.
A short-term plan might not be ideal. In Utah, the maximum duration is typically 4 months, including renewals. This means if you obtain coverage before becoming pregnant, the plan will expire before your baby is born. If you are already pregnant when you get the coverage, pregnancy will be considered a pre-existing condition, and most plans will exclude maternity care altogether.
Supplemental plans, like Hospital Indemnity, could offer some assistance. These plans pay a set amount if a covered event occurs. For example, an Aflac plan (among others) might provide a few hundred dollars for a hospital admission and an additional daily benefit while hospitalized. However, these amounts may not significantly impact your overall bill.
What does your current coverage look like? What are your deductible and out-of-pocket maximums?
If your income is lower, you might qualify for Pregnancy Medicaid. Utah’s program, Baby Your Baby, could be an option. You can check it out at Baby Your Baby.
Another option is a plan from healthcare.gov. Depending on whether your work coverage meets affordability standards, you might be eligible for subsidies and could enroll in a plan for yourself.
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Consider looking into Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) or Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) for additional savings. Also, check if your current plan offers maternity benefits and look into supplemental insurance like Aflac for extra coverage. Research Utah-based options or consult a local insurance advisor for personalized advice.
Put the money in the bank and don’t spend it.
Most of the time, these plans only pay a small amount if you end up in the hospital.
The catch is that most people don’t stay in the hospital for long because they are sent home as soon as possible.