Title: How Much Does Prenatal Care Cost Throughout Pregnancy
Headings: Prenatal Care Cost
Prenatal Care Cost
How Much Does Prenatal Care Cost?

Content: according to the U.S. Department of Labor [ 3] , the federal government prohibits group health insurance plans from treating pregnancy as a pre-existing condition, or, if they offer maternity coverage, from refusing to cover prenatal care or childbirth. However, individual health insurance plans can legally treat pregnancy as a pre-existing condition, baby delivery probably will not be covered if you join one while pregnant. If you are insured, it is very important to check with the insurance company about their requirements; some companies require you to "pre-authorize" coverage for your baby. For patients with insurance, out-of-pocket costs for prenatal care, which usually consist of copays or coinsurance for office visits and laboratory work, can range from less than $200 to several thousand dollars or more, if the deductible is high or the pregnancy has complications. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, private insurance pays about 87 percent of the costs for prenatal care -- so, in that case, the out-of-pocket costs on a typical $2,000 bill would total $260. Related articles: Ultrasound, Baby Delivery, Prenatal Vitamins, Postpartum Maternity Checkup, Well Baby Doctor Visit, Cord Blood Banking
What should be included: The first prenatal visit usually takes place about 8 weeks after the last menstrual period, and lasts longer than subsequent visits. During the visit, the doctor or midwife will: