Choosing the Right Health Plan for Your Pregnancy

When planning to have a baby, it's important to choose a medical plan that meets your needs and discover the financial tools available to you.

What to look for in a pregnancy-friendly medical plan:

Maternity coverage: Ensure the plan covers healthcare during pregnancy, labor, delivery and postpartum care for at least six weeks after delivery. This includes doctor visits, ultrasounds and hospital stays.

Network of providers: Check if your preferred provider and hospital are in-network. Using in-network providers can save you money.

Costs: Understand the premium , deductible , copay and out-of-pocket maximum on your health plan. Knowing these costs helps you budget for your pregnancy.

Prescription coverage: Make sure the plan covers any medications you may need during pregnancy.

Specialist access: If you need to see specialists, such as a genetic counselor or a high-risk pregnancy doctor, ensure they are covered.

Support services: Look for plans that offer additional support, such as prenatal classes, lactation consulting and mental health services.

Newborn care: Confirm that the plan covers well-baby visits and vaccinations after birth.

Prepare for Pregnancy with your Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA):

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Estimate your expenses: List potential medical expenses related to pregnancy, such as prenatal visits, ultrasounds , lab tests and delivery costs. This will help you decide how much to contribute to your FSA or HSA.

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Maximize contributions: Consider contributing the maximum amount to your FSA or HSA. These accounts use pre-tax dollars, saving you money on eligible medical expenses.

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Review eligible expenses: Check what expenses are covered by your FSA or HSA. This can include prenatal vitamins, breastfeeding supplies and certain medical equipment.

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Plan for the unexpected: Pregnancy can come with unexpected costs. Your FSA or HSA funds can help cover these surprises without straining your budget.

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Adjust contributions after birth: The baby's birth is a qualifying life event, allowing you to adjust your FSA contributions if needed. This can help cover additional costs like pediatric care.

What items can I buy with my HSA or FSA card?

Dental and vision considerations during pregnancy

Dental and Vision plans

Pregnancy increases the risk of gum disease and cavities. Dental insurance can help cover regular check-ups and treatments. If you already have a Dental plan through CareFirst, you may be eligible for additional check-ups during pregnancy.

Additionally, hormonal changes during pregnancy can affect your vision. Vision insurance can cover eye exams and corrective lenses.

Support and information

Log into or register for My Account to review your benefits.

If you have questions about your CareFirst plan, please call the Member Services number on the back of your Member ID card.

Please visit Insurance Basics for information about how health insurance works, what it covers, costs and how to choose a plan.