Fuggedabout piano lessons, Little League equipment, tutoring, braces and college costs. If you’re having a baby in 2008, better to think about your doctor and hospital costs. According to Claire Vande Polder of RevolutionHealth.com, even before you start adding up the medical tests, procedures and prescription costs, there are the pricey considerations of decorating your nursery and stocking it with diapers.
“If you’re insured for medical costs,” she says, “your out-of-pocket expenses will depend on your health insurance plan. If you’re uninsured, you’ll likely be paying for everything yourself.”
Obstetricians recommend that expectant mothers visit them approximately 14 times for prenatal care. This averages out to a total of $1,862, with tests and ultrasounds costing extra.
Here’s what it costs, on average, to give birth:
• Vaginal delivery without complications, $6,200.
• Vaginal delivery with complications, $8,200.
• C-section without complications, $11,500.
• C-section with complications, $15,500.
These costs are only for hospital and room charges, not doctors’ fees.
Childbirth expert Robin Elise Weiss suggests you check your insurance policy and your company’s insurance benefits Also ask what your co-payments are versus paying a certain percentage, and if your policy covers: a perinatologist, obstetrician, midwife, routine procedures and blood work, amniocentesis, AFP and other tests, prescriptions, childbirth classes, doula services, facilities, newborn care and postpartum assistance. If not, you may have to consider changing insurance or plans within your company. Check out www.EHealthInsurance.org; http://mchb.hrsa.gov; and http://www.usaaedfoundation.org.
To Save Costs, Consider
According to Parenting
Weekly.com, when your baby is born, it will cost you well over $11,000 for his or her first year in diapers, formula, a stroller, clothing, changing table, car seat, and assorted extras, in addition to another $5,000 to $10,000 for child-care, depending on the amount of time you’re able to spend home. To savecosts, consider:
• Using borrowed or used maternity clothes, cribs, changing table, etc.
• Networking with other parents to find ways to save.
• Asking your boss for a flex plan that allows you to set aside money out of pre-tax earnings for baby’s healthcare.
• Claiming baby as a dependent on your tax return.
• Using cloth diapers.
• Breastfeeding.