Pregnant women say health care providers are billing them to deliver their babies earlier than expected. Patient advocates say that's unethical.

Summary

Some women are being asked to prepay for their baby, a practice that is legal but considered unethical by patient advocacy groups.

The practice is driven by the high cost of maternity care and the way it is billed in the U.S., where bundled billing has become outdated.

Critics say this exacerbates maternity care inequities, with families left to navigate unclear costs and insurance complexities amid rising healthcare expenses.

  • adarza@lemmy.caEnglish
    151·
    9 days ago

    a lot more than $1k

    We find that health costs associated with pregnancy, childbirth, and post-partum care average a total of $18,865 and the average out-of-pocket payments total $2,854 for women enrolled in large group plans.

    …

    These costs are more than many families can afford. Roughly one third of multi-person households and half of single-person households would not have the liquid assets needed to cover typical out-of-pocket costs associated with pregnancy and childbirth in private health plans.

    from this kff study