A California law that required low-income women to live in the state for six months before being eligible for social welfare assistance for maternity care was recently declared unconstitutional (http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/12/16/BAIS14PNJQ.DTL). The ruling was a victory for uninsured pregnant women everywhere as it demonstrates that states are beginning to reevaluate their pregnancy assistance programs.
The presiding Superior Court judge in this case deemed that the law violated the constitutional right to move to California by punishing pregnant women through withholding social assistance. How many other constitutional rights are violated by withholding maternity care from those who cannot afford it?
Two come quickly to mind.
We have a right to be free from cruel and unusual punishment. But withholding prenatal care from pregnant women leads to complications for mother and child that could be construed as nothing else but cruel and unusual. Babies whose mothers receive no prenatal care are three times more likely to be born at a low weight, which can cause such complications as respiratory distress syndrome, bleeding in the brain, heart problems, gestational issues and vision loss. Blinding someone, at the very least, is cruel and unusual.
We also have a right to life; and this right is stripped from many babies as the risk of infant death is increased fivefold when mothers can not afford prenatal care and are unable to access maternal insurance.
California has recognized that prenatal care cannot be withheld from new low-income residents, but what about those Moms in the Middle who do not qualify for government-sponsored insurance? If they cannot afford prenatal care, is it okay to let their children and families suffer?
The California ruling is a victory, but it is not enough. The rights of pregnant mothers must be recognized across the board; and adequate maternity care must be affordable and accessible for all pregnant women, regardless of income.
I am PRO MOM!!!
Aaron Bouren
Advocate Aaron
Taxpayers To Blame?
Are taxpayers to blame for high health care costs? It seems that's what some would have us believe. This article by the Philadelphia-based Bulletin (http://thebulletin.us/articles/2008/12/16/top_stories/doc494746c9a32d2858647536.txt) details a growing obstetrics crisis in Pennsylvania. The state is struggling with a shortage of professional clinics for maternity care; and this is blamed on the rising cost of malpractice insurance. The blame for rising malpractice insurance costs? According to at least one source in the article, the blame lies squarely on the shoulders of taxpayers, who institute lawsuits and (presumably) as juries often find in favor of the plaintiff in medical malpractice cases. In the article, it is even suggested that specially-appointed 'health courts' should preside over such cases.
Could it be more obvious that the health care industry, as a whole, is trying to attain a position of infallibility? Though the article doesn't elaborate, it can only be imagined that the outcomes of health court cases would be decided, in large part, by physicians rather than general citizens. In such a scenario, an obvious bias would be present – and physicians and medical institutions that would otherwise be declared guilty of malpractice could get off the hook.
In Pennsylvania, the answer to the question of why maternity care is so expensive seems to be: “Stop suing us, or we'll have to continue raising medical fees.”
In reality, the answer should be: “Stop making life-threatening mistakes.”
All pregnant women who receive maternity care are putting their lives and the lives of their babies in the hands of a physician. A bond of trust is formed; and physicians should not be excused for serious mistakes during prenatal care and delivery any more than they should be excused for overcharging pregnant women who do not have insurance.
The root of the problem is not taxpayers who seek justice; it is the medical industry which seeks forgiveness despite profit.
Women in Pennsylvania who do not have insurance struggle to receive adequate prenatal care because clinics are overbooked – and it's much easier to justify taking on a patient with insurance or with cash than setting up a payment plan with a woman who can't afford to pay up-front fees.
Without access to insurance policies or affordable health care, these women suffer because their babies suffer. Babies born to mothers without proper prenatal care are more likely to be born at low birth weight, and more likely to die. The crises in Pennsylvania compounds the issue.
Pregnant women in Pennsylvania without insurance do have options. They can seek charity care; they can seek to set up payment plans with willing clinics (yes, there are still some excellent physicians out there). They can employ the help of Maternity Health (http://www.maternityhealth.org) for resources on affording maternal care; they can consult with Maternity Advantage (http://www.maternityadvantage.com) to find physicians, set up payment plans and negotiate bills before they're charged, and they can be assertive throughout their pregnancies to ensure they're getting the best care possible.
The very people who make grants to health care organizations possible are being blamed for the mediocrity of the US health care industry. It's time to focus on real issues – gaining access to good medical care from physicians who care about their patients at least as much as they care about their pocketbooks.
I am PRO MOM!!!
Aaron Bouren
Advocate Aaron
Could it be more obvious that the health care industry, as a whole, is trying to attain a position of infallibility? Though the article doesn't elaborate, it can only be imagined that the outcomes of health court cases would be decided, in large part, by physicians rather than general citizens. In such a scenario, an obvious bias would be present – and physicians and medical institutions that would otherwise be declared guilty of malpractice could get off the hook.
In Pennsylvania, the answer to the question of why maternity care is so expensive seems to be: “Stop suing us, or we'll have to continue raising medical fees.”
In reality, the answer should be: “Stop making life-threatening mistakes.”
All pregnant women who receive maternity care are putting their lives and the lives of their babies in the hands of a physician. A bond of trust is formed; and physicians should not be excused for serious mistakes during prenatal care and delivery any more than they should be excused for overcharging pregnant women who do not have insurance.
The root of the problem is not taxpayers who seek justice; it is the medical industry which seeks forgiveness despite profit.
Women in Pennsylvania who do not have insurance struggle to receive adequate prenatal care because clinics are overbooked – and it's much easier to justify taking on a patient with insurance or with cash than setting up a payment plan with a woman who can't afford to pay up-front fees.
Without access to insurance policies or affordable health care, these women suffer because their babies suffer. Babies born to mothers without proper prenatal care are more likely to be born at low birth weight, and more likely to die. The crises in Pennsylvania compounds the issue.
Pregnant women in Pennsylvania without insurance do have options. They can seek charity care; they can seek to set up payment plans with willing clinics (yes, there are still some excellent physicians out there). They can employ the help of Maternity Health (http://www.maternityhealth.org) for resources on affording maternal care; they can consult with Maternity Advantage (http://www.maternityadvantage.com) to find physicians, set up payment plans and negotiate bills before they're charged, and they can be assertive throughout their pregnancies to ensure they're getting the best care possible.
The very people who make grants to health care organizations possible are being blamed for the mediocrity of the US health care industry. It's time to focus on real issues – gaining access to good medical care from physicians who care about their patients at least as much as they care about their pocketbooks.
I am PRO MOM!!!
Aaron Bouren
Advocate Aaron
Hippocratic Hypocracy
Many OB/GYNs offer in-office ultrasounds these days. To do so, they must purchase or lease an ultrasound machine. One of the newest innovations in ultrasound technology, 4D ultrasound, is available on the GE Voluson 730 Expert; which according to Google Shopping is retailing for between $45,000 and $65,000.
Many of these doctors are likely purchasing these machines on credit -- they've set up payment plans via the distributor, a bank or other creditor to pay off their ultrasound machines in increments.
Many of these same doctors also refuse to set up payment plans with uninsured pregnant women so they can afford proper prenatal care. The hypocracy is that these doctors are setting up payment plans to afford machines which will help them make money, yet deny those who wish to set up payment plans to afford health care which will help them give life.
What worth does the Hippocratich Oath have when those doctors who so solemnly swear by it avoid being faithful to the dogma laid out in its verbage? The words "...I will prescribe regimens for the good of my patients according to my ability and my judgment and never do harm to anyone" no longer seem to have meaning to many of these doctors.
Sure, they can "justify" their refusal to offer payment plans, and therefore treatment, to pregnant women on the basis that they are not already their patients; and by saying that they are not directly causing harm to anyone by not accepting uninsured pregnant women as patients. I wonder if they've ever heard the term "lying by omission," which could be more aptly termed "harming by neglect."
These doctors will not extend the same benevolence they seek from their creditors in order to make money to those begging for the opportunity to bear healthy life.
I wonder what Hippocrates would have had to say about that?
I am PRO MOM!!!
Aaron Bouren
Advocate Aaron
Many of these doctors are likely purchasing these machines on credit -- they've set up payment plans via the distributor, a bank or other creditor to pay off their ultrasound machines in increments.
Many of these same doctors also refuse to set up payment plans with uninsured pregnant women so they can afford proper prenatal care. The hypocracy is that these doctors are setting up payment plans to afford machines which will help them make money, yet deny those who wish to set up payment plans to afford health care which will help them give life.
What worth does the Hippocratich Oath have when those doctors who so solemnly swear by it avoid being faithful to the dogma laid out in its verbage? The words "...I will prescribe regimens for the good of my patients according to my ability and my judgment and never do harm to anyone" no longer seem to have meaning to many of these doctors.
Sure, they can "justify" their refusal to offer payment plans, and therefore treatment, to pregnant women on the basis that they are not already their patients; and by saying that they are not directly causing harm to anyone by not accepting uninsured pregnant women as patients. I wonder if they've ever heard the term "lying by omission," which could be more aptly termed "harming by neglect."
These doctors will not extend the same benevolence they seek from their creditors in order to make money to those begging for the opportunity to bear healthy life.
I wonder what Hippocrates would have had to say about that?
I am PRO MOM!!!
Aaron Bouren
Advocate Aaron
Illegal To Give Birth At Home?
This past summer the American Medical Association adopted a resolution stating that the hospital is the safest place for delivery, and that the AMA intends to draft model legislation that would basically make home delivery illegal in the United States (http://www.ama-assn.org/ama/pub/category/18587.html, Resolution 205 on Home Deliveries). According to The Big Push for Midwives, such legislation could result in the criminalization of mothers who deliver at home (http://thebigpushformidwives.org/pdf-bin/news.061608.pdf).
After reading the resolution, it's clear that the AMA has no reliable scientific research on which to base this decision. I have to wonder why such a well-known organization would hang it's hat on such a claim, especially when documented studies speak to the contrary – home births by healthy mothers with normal pregnancies do not result in a higher mortality rate. And, according to this Argus Leader column (http://www.argusleader.com/article/20081212/VOICES09/812120320/1057/COLUMNISTS), at least one Sioux Falls hospital has a 32% caesarian delivery rate compared to the much lower 3.7% c-section rate from home births with midwife assistance.
It's no secret that maternity care is a multi-billion dollar industry. Now it's no secret that the AMA is supporting the pocketbooks of hospitals and physicians more than the organization is supporting the proliferation of accurate medical data. Such scare tactics – and worse, legislative intrusion – spits in the face of the roots of humanity. Outlaw natural birth? Should we go back in the historical volumes and label all those who had natural deliveries criminals? I doubt the founders of the United States would have agreed to preside over this nation had their mothers been condemned for not giving birth in a hospital.
Even more relevant in today's society is the thought of sending mothers to jail because they could not make it to the hospital on time. To think that we could be jailed for not seeking or for refusing medical care!
The medical industry already reaps profit from voluntary, necessary and emergency patients. Now, it's seeking to enact a law that makes pregnant women accept maternal delivery care. Who is going to pay for this? Private individuals must pay for such legally-required services as car insurance – would the same notions be applied to health insurance? It's already unaffordable for many pregnant women, and such a measure would only worsen the problem.
Imagine a scenario in which a woman delivers birth at home because she can't afford legally-required health insurance and is jailed after her baby is born for not delivering in a hospital. Perhaps the AMA should put more emphasis on reducing the cost of delivery instead of penalizing those who can't afford it; and at the same time stop playing as if they know better than Mother Nature, who has already developed a quite efficient and successful delivery system all her own – the natural bodies of mothers.
I am PRO MOM!!!
Aaron Bouren
Advocate Aaron
After reading the resolution, it's clear that the AMA has no reliable scientific research on which to base this decision. I have to wonder why such a well-known organization would hang it's hat on such a claim, especially when documented studies speak to the contrary – home births by healthy mothers with normal pregnancies do not result in a higher mortality rate. And, according to this Argus Leader column (http://www.argusleader.com/article/20081212/VOICES09/812120320/1057/COLUMNISTS), at least one Sioux Falls hospital has a 32% caesarian delivery rate compared to the much lower 3.7% c-section rate from home births with midwife assistance.
It's no secret that maternity care is a multi-billion dollar industry. Now it's no secret that the AMA is supporting the pocketbooks of hospitals and physicians more than the organization is supporting the proliferation of accurate medical data. Such scare tactics – and worse, legislative intrusion – spits in the face of the roots of humanity. Outlaw natural birth? Should we go back in the historical volumes and label all those who had natural deliveries criminals? I doubt the founders of the United States would have agreed to preside over this nation had their mothers been condemned for not giving birth in a hospital.
Even more relevant in today's society is the thought of sending mothers to jail because they could not make it to the hospital on time. To think that we could be jailed for not seeking or for refusing medical care!
The medical industry already reaps profit from voluntary, necessary and emergency patients. Now, it's seeking to enact a law that makes pregnant women accept maternal delivery care. Who is going to pay for this? Private individuals must pay for such legally-required services as car insurance – would the same notions be applied to health insurance? It's already unaffordable for many pregnant women, and such a measure would only worsen the problem.
Imagine a scenario in which a woman delivers birth at home because she can't afford legally-required health insurance and is jailed after her baby is born for not delivering in a hospital. Perhaps the AMA should put more emphasis on reducing the cost of delivery instead of penalizing those who can't afford it; and at the same time stop playing as if they know better than Mother Nature, who has already developed a quite efficient and successful delivery system all her own – the natural bodies of mothers.
I am PRO MOM!!!
Aaron Bouren
Advocate Aaron
Have A Baby, Lose A Tooth
You've heard the saying before, and while it's not necessarily a true statement there's something to be said for proper oral care during pregnancy. Take a look at this New York Daily News article (http://www.nydailynews.com/lifestyle/health/2008/12/07/2008-12-07_caring_for_your_teeth_becomes_more_impor.html), which reports that 50% of pregnant women suffer from pregnancy gingivitis, a type of gum disease.
The article goes on to say that gum disease increases the chance of premature birth and low birth weight, and to suggest that all pregnant women should have a dental exam and teeth cleaning performed by a qualified dentist every three months during pregnancy.
Makes sense. But for those who do not have dental insurance (even if they do have prenatal care and maternity medical insurance), the fees of up to $135 per dentist visit can be too much to bear. Sure, the total price for an initial exam and three cleanings at that price is only $540, but for many women that's a mortgage payment -- and if we all had extra mortgage payments lying around, the U.S. economy wouldn't be in such a crunch.
Gum disease leads to premature birth, which leads to many complications including death. So why is it that a condition that affects half of all pregnant women (and ultimately their babies) does not seem to be a priority? The stakes are high, and it's a shame that many uninsured pregnant women are saddled with a condition that costs so little to prevent simply because they do not have dental coverage.
Learn how you can help prevent premature birth through proper dental care even if you don't have insurance by taking advantage of the free resources at www.maternityhealth.com.
I am PRO MOM!!!
Aaron Bouren
Advocate Aaron
The article goes on to say that gum disease increases the chance of premature birth and low birth weight, and to suggest that all pregnant women should have a dental exam and teeth cleaning performed by a qualified dentist every three months during pregnancy.
Makes sense. But for those who do not have dental insurance (even if they do have prenatal care and maternity medical insurance), the fees of up to $135 per dentist visit can be too much to bear. Sure, the total price for an initial exam and three cleanings at that price is only $540, but for many women that's a mortgage payment -- and if we all had extra mortgage payments lying around, the U.S. economy wouldn't be in such a crunch.
Gum disease leads to premature birth, which leads to many complications including death. So why is it that a condition that affects half of all pregnant women (and ultimately their babies) does not seem to be a priority? The stakes are high, and it's a shame that many uninsured pregnant women are saddled with a condition that costs so little to prevent simply because they do not have dental coverage.
Learn how you can help prevent premature birth through proper dental care even if you don't have insurance by taking advantage of the free resources at www.maternityhealth.com.
I am PRO MOM!!!
Aaron Bouren
Advocate Aaron
Double Trouble
Employer-provided insurance policies can spell double trouble for those who are uninsured. First of all, medical billing companies routinely charge uninsured women as much as 400% more for maternity-related procedures than they charge insured women. One reason for this is because insurance companies are more likely to question inflated charges, leaving the uninsured to foot the bill for those who have ample representation. Because hospitals can't be greedy with the insured, they make up for it by punishing the uninsured.
But there is another, perhaps more sinister, reason for across-the-board price inflation. Who do you think actually pays for employer-provided health insurance? The employer? Nope. No matter how you look at it, it is the employees who pay for their own insurance, just as if they were to purchase their own individual or family policies. They pay for health benefits through paycheck deductions as well as decreased pay -- this deduction is never advertised, as it is taken out before you're given your salary or wage.
But because the employer pays the insurance company, they are eligible for tax breaks that help offset the cost of health benefits, as referenced in this article by The Heritage Foundation (http://www.heritage.org/Research/HealthCare/bg2214.cfm). The article states that the tax breaks are unlimited, which means that the health care industry as a whole is taking advantage of these tax breaks to inflate medical costs, causing fees to skyrocket whether you're insured or not. For the insured, this is not a huge deal because they're already covered. But for the uninsured, the fees become unaffordable and they do not have access to medical care.
Thus, we have a situation in which taxpayers are essentially paying benefits to employers who take money from their employees to pay for health insurance benefits, allowing the medical industry to charge more for services (because they will be paid for) and then to eventually pin these higher fees back on to the taxpayers who, in essence, fund this vicious cycle.
I doubt that most taxpayers would agree that this is good policy, as the cost of medical care and individual and family insurance plans become simply unaffordable for anyone who does not have "employer-provided" medical insurance benefits.
Should a tax cap be placed on medical insurance tax breaks to force medical companies to keep costs affordable (as suggested by the referenced article), or should a cap be placed on the price of medical procedures? These questions are likely to be hot debate topics in 2009 as the U.S. government begins looking at national health care reform.
I am PRO MOM!!!
Aaron Bouren
Advocate Aaron
But there is another, perhaps more sinister, reason for across-the-board price inflation. Who do you think actually pays for employer-provided health insurance? The employer? Nope. No matter how you look at it, it is the employees who pay for their own insurance, just as if they were to purchase their own individual or family policies. They pay for health benefits through paycheck deductions as well as decreased pay -- this deduction is never advertised, as it is taken out before you're given your salary or wage.
But because the employer pays the insurance company, they are eligible for tax breaks that help offset the cost of health benefits, as referenced in this article by The Heritage Foundation (http://www.heritage.org/Research/HealthCare/bg2214.cfm). The article states that the tax breaks are unlimited, which means that the health care industry as a whole is taking advantage of these tax breaks to inflate medical costs, causing fees to skyrocket whether you're insured or not. For the insured, this is not a huge deal because they're already covered. But for the uninsured, the fees become unaffordable and they do not have access to medical care.
Thus, we have a situation in which taxpayers are essentially paying benefits to employers who take money from their employees to pay for health insurance benefits, allowing the medical industry to charge more for services (because they will be paid for) and then to eventually pin these higher fees back on to the taxpayers who, in essence, fund this vicious cycle.
I doubt that most taxpayers would agree that this is good policy, as the cost of medical care and individual and family insurance plans become simply unaffordable for anyone who does not have "employer-provided" medical insurance benefits.
Should a tax cap be placed on medical insurance tax breaks to force medical companies to keep costs affordable (as suggested by the referenced article), or should a cap be placed on the price of medical procedures? These questions are likely to be hot debate topics in 2009 as the U.S. government begins looking at national health care reform.
I am PRO MOM!!!
Aaron Bouren
Advocate Aaron
Merry Christmas or Get Knocked Out!
I can hardly believe that today is Christmas and in a few short days 2008 will be over. I hope you all took a moment today to remember the "Reason for the Season" and I hope you went out of your way to make somebody's day and today was truly not just about "you." Merry Christmas and Best Wishes!
Hope your year was a real knockout!!
I am PRO MOM!!!
Aaron Bouren
Advocate Aaron
The Death of COBRA
Pregnant women who have maternity insurance through their employers can't rely on that coverage to be there when they need it. Even if you think you have a great job with excellent insurance benefits that cover prenatal care, delivery and neonatal costs, your insurance could very well be stripped out from under you when you least expect it, as described by this Wall Street Journal article (http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122852525037084565.html?mod=googlenews_wsj).
The article details how company closings can leave employees uninsured, despite COBRA provisions that normally allow laid off employees to continue to receive health insurance coverage if they pay out-of-pocket. You see, COBRA only applies when an employer continues to offer health insurance benefits to other employees. But when a company terminates medical coverage altogether, laid off employees have no further access to insurance plans.
The problem is only getting worse in today's economy as corporate bankruptcies continue to surge, leaving more and more Americans unemployed and uninsured. Pregnant women who are laid off by these companies are likewise left without insurance -- and they can face difficulties finding an insurance provider that will extend maternity benefits for a "pre-existing condition." And even if they do find a provider that will take them, they are almost always subjected to a standard waiting period of as much as 90 days before benefits kick in -- meaning that if they deliver in that three month window they will be responsible for the bill, not the insurance provider.
All this goes to show that no matter how comfortable you are with your planning, no matter how confident you are that your coverage will be there, and no matter how much you try to do what is right for your family, very serious things can happen that jeopardize your health and the health of your children. The companies mentioned in the WSJ article were not flight-by-night operations -- they were well-respected enterprises that have been staples of their communities for decades.
If the employees of these companies can lose their health insurance benefits, the same can happen to you.
I am PRO MOM!!!
Aaron Bouren
Advocate Aaron
The article details how company closings can leave employees uninsured, despite COBRA provisions that normally allow laid off employees to continue to receive health insurance coverage if they pay out-of-pocket. You see, COBRA only applies when an employer continues to offer health insurance benefits to other employees. But when a company terminates medical coverage altogether, laid off employees have no further access to insurance plans.
The problem is only getting worse in today's economy as corporate bankruptcies continue to surge, leaving more and more Americans unemployed and uninsured. Pregnant women who are laid off by these companies are likewise left without insurance -- and they can face difficulties finding an insurance provider that will extend maternity benefits for a "pre-existing condition." And even if they do find a provider that will take them, they are almost always subjected to a standard waiting period of as much as 90 days before benefits kick in -- meaning that if they deliver in that three month window they will be responsible for the bill, not the insurance provider.
All this goes to show that no matter how comfortable you are with your planning, no matter how confident you are that your coverage will be there, and no matter how much you try to do what is right for your family, very serious things can happen that jeopardize your health and the health of your children. The companies mentioned in the WSJ article were not flight-by-night operations -- they were well-respected enterprises that have been staples of their communities for decades.
If the employees of these companies can lose their health insurance benefits, the same can happen to you.
I am PRO MOM!!!
Aaron Bouren
Advocate Aaron
A Happy Ending... but a story that's all too familiar
Many women think their insurance is going to cover their pregnancies but find out all too late that their policies are inadequate -- and sometimes they risk losing their policies altogether, as evidenced in this story: http://www.theledger.com/article/20081122/NEWS/811220337/1410?Title=Lakeland_Couple_Reaches_Out_for_Help
The story demonstrates how a responsible middle class American family can quickly face insurmountable medical bills related to a complicated pregnancy. It details the plight of Julie Windish, her husband Danny and the couple's unborn daughter as they struggled to combat 34-year-old Julie's heart condition and deliver a healthy baby girl. After several terrifying emergency room visits and extended hospital stays from complications that threatened the lives of both mother and child, Miranda Hope was born.
The Windish's are undoubtedly thankful that they were able to win the fight for life, but their battle continues. You see, Julie's employer stopped contributing to her medical insurance after she took medical leave. Coupled with the fact that both she and her husband missed many days of work during her pregnancy, the $700/month insurance bill became too much to bear -- yet a necessity in the face of otherwise extraordinary hospital bills.
Since Miranda's birth, the Windish's have had one vehicle repossessed and are at risk of losing credit stability. They've relied on the charity of friends, family and others for financial survival. And though the family faces an uphill financial struggle, they come out as winners in this story by bringing a beautiful new life into the world.
Unfortunately, such stories do not always have a happy ending. If Julie Windish had no insurance, would the outcome have been the same? It's proven that a lack of proper prenatal care can cause premature birth, leading to a slew of complications such as heart and lung disease, developmental disabilities and even death. Without the means to afford insurance, mothers who make too much to qualify for social welfare programs are left to foot the bill; and if complications arise many are unable to do so.
It's an injustice to the American people that women who work hard to provide for their children are so punished for their efforts. Rather than simply relying on "the system" to take care of them, these women are often financially prepared for pregnancy -- but unpredictable complications send medical bills soaring and dole financial disaster.
Even with medical insurance, the Windish's could not keep up with the bills. Complications during pregnancy aren't limited only to those associated with the mother and child; when fathers and other family members must miss work to care for their families, no income is coming in while monthly bills, trips to and from the hospital, eating out and other expenses associated with extended hospital stays chip away at savings.
Women must evaulate how financially stable they are if they become pregnant and if a pregnancy presents complications. And if they're caught in a situation where they are already pregnant and cannot get medical insurance, they need to be proactive in their medical billing to make sure they're not being overcharged for services. Maternity Health and Maternity Advantage are two resources that help women receive fair billing associated with pregnancy.
My prayers are with the Windish's and all families who are faced with troubled times during and after pregnancy. Congratulations on the birth of Miranda Hope, and here's to hope that families everywhere can gain access to affordable maternity care for a nation of healthy and happy children.
I am PRO MOM!!!
Aaron Bouren
Advocate Aaron
The story demonstrates how a responsible middle class American family can quickly face insurmountable medical bills related to a complicated pregnancy. It details the plight of Julie Windish, her husband Danny and the couple's unborn daughter as they struggled to combat 34-year-old Julie's heart condition and deliver a healthy baby girl. After several terrifying emergency room visits and extended hospital stays from complications that threatened the lives of both mother and child, Miranda Hope was born.
The Windish's are undoubtedly thankful that they were able to win the fight for life, but their battle continues. You see, Julie's employer stopped contributing to her medical insurance after she took medical leave. Coupled with the fact that both she and her husband missed many days of work during her pregnancy, the $700/month insurance bill became too much to bear -- yet a necessity in the face of otherwise extraordinary hospital bills.
Since Miranda's birth, the Windish's have had one vehicle repossessed and are at risk of losing credit stability. They've relied on the charity of friends, family and others for financial survival. And though the family faces an uphill financial struggle, they come out as winners in this story by bringing a beautiful new life into the world.
Unfortunately, such stories do not always have a happy ending. If Julie Windish had no insurance, would the outcome have been the same? It's proven that a lack of proper prenatal care can cause premature birth, leading to a slew of complications such as heart and lung disease, developmental disabilities and even death. Without the means to afford insurance, mothers who make too much to qualify for social welfare programs are left to foot the bill; and if complications arise many are unable to do so.
It's an injustice to the American people that women who work hard to provide for their children are so punished for their efforts. Rather than simply relying on "the system" to take care of them, these women are often financially prepared for pregnancy -- but unpredictable complications send medical bills soaring and dole financial disaster.
Even with medical insurance, the Windish's could not keep up with the bills. Complications during pregnancy aren't limited only to those associated with the mother and child; when fathers and other family members must miss work to care for their families, no income is coming in while monthly bills, trips to and from the hospital, eating out and other expenses associated with extended hospital stays chip away at savings.
Women must evaulate how financially stable they are if they become pregnant and if a pregnancy presents complications. And if they're caught in a situation where they are already pregnant and cannot get medical insurance, they need to be proactive in their medical billing to make sure they're not being overcharged for services. Maternity Health and Maternity Advantage are two resources that help women receive fair billing associated with pregnancy.
My prayers are with the Windish's and all families who are faced with troubled times during and after pregnancy. Congratulations on the birth of Miranda Hope, and here's to hope that families everywhere can gain access to affordable maternity care for a nation of healthy and happy children.
I am PRO MOM!!!
Aaron Bouren
Advocate Aaron
Another Reason Why Prenatal Care Is So Important
According to the American Diabetes Association (http://www.diabetes.org/gestational-diabetes.jsp), gestational diabetes affects approximately 4%, or 135,000, of American women and their babies each year. Complications of gestational diabetes can lead to high levels of blood glucose for babies of mothers with the condition, which can in turn lead to "fat" babies and delivery complications. It can alternatively lead to low blood glucose levels due to high levels of insulin in infants, which can cause breathing problems and other issues.
The best way to combat gestational diabetes is through proper prenatal care, something many American women -- particularly middle class workers who do not have employer-provided health care but make too much to qualify for social welfare programs -- are forced to forego because it is expensive and because the expense of prenatal care for uninsured mothers can be inflated by medical billing companies.
What an atrocity that the so-called "Big Three" of the auto industry can be the recipients of a $200 billion government-funded bailout package, yet hundreds of thousands of uninsured women and their children nationwide are not afforded the opportunity to receive proper prenatal care. In the long run, such prenatal care can actually save the government money because preventative care (as the health insurance industry knows) is cheaper than emergency care; and prenatal care is proven to reduce the instances of pregnancy- and delivery-related emergencies.
A recent announcement stated that scientists soon might be able to find out if an unborn child has certain diseases such as sickle cell anemia or cystic fibrosis simply by testing the mother's blood rather than risking miscarriage via amniocentesis (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27908271/). The discovery could lead to a breakthrough in early and successful treatment for these diseases, but many Moms in the Middle will not have access to the tests -- despite the fact that they're a leading (and voting) demographic in American society.
While scientific research has helped save many mothers and children, it seems a waste if the benefits of such research are not available to those living in "the land of the free."
I am PRO MOM!!!
Aaron Bouren
Advocate Aaron
The best way to combat gestational diabetes is through proper prenatal care, something many American women -- particularly middle class workers who do not have employer-provided health care but make too much to qualify for social welfare programs -- are forced to forego because it is expensive and because the expense of prenatal care for uninsured mothers can be inflated by medical billing companies.
What an atrocity that the so-called "Big Three" of the auto industry can be the recipients of a $200 billion government-funded bailout package, yet hundreds of thousands of uninsured women and their children nationwide are not afforded the opportunity to receive proper prenatal care. In the long run, such prenatal care can actually save the government money because preventative care (as the health insurance industry knows) is cheaper than emergency care; and prenatal care is proven to reduce the instances of pregnancy- and delivery-related emergencies.
A recent announcement stated that scientists soon might be able to find out if an unborn child has certain diseases such as sickle cell anemia or cystic fibrosis simply by testing the mother's blood rather than risking miscarriage via amniocentesis (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27908271/). The discovery could lead to a breakthrough in early and successful treatment for these diseases, but many Moms in the Middle will not have access to the tests -- despite the fact that they're a leading (and voting) demographic in American society.
While scientific research has helped save many mothers and children, it seems a waste if the benefits of such research are not available to those living in "the land of the free."
I am PRO MOM!!!
Aaron Bouren
Advocate Aaron
Premature Pennies
With America's premature birth rate at over 12% (or 1 in every 8 deliveries), it is appalling that many of these premature births could be avoided with a little common sense -- and a little less common cents.
Watch these videos to understand the tragic consequences of premature birth:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JsFT1xEIHzM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WC33uGceglM
Complications from premature birth include premature lungs, respiratory distress syndrome, pneumonia, apnea, infection, jaundice, bleeding of the brain, anemia, PDA, sepsis and death (http://www.americanpregnancy.org/labornbirth/complicationspremature.htm).
One of the main causes for premature birth in the United States is the lack of prenatal care. In fact, the HRSA says that "babies born to mothers who received no prenatal care are three times more likely to be born at low birth weight and five times more likely to die, than those whose mothers received prenatal care" (http://mchb.hrsa.gov/programs/womeninfants/prenatal.htm).
Why do so many mothers forego proper prenatal care? Simply put, they can't afford it and they can't get insurance to cover it. Many seek payment plans that they can afford, but doctors and hospitals can be unwilling to perform prenatal care services without large up-front fees.
Money is more important to them than healthy babies.
From the hospital's perspective, this makes no sense -- especially when the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act dictates that they must care for premature babies with emergency medical conditions, regardless of the parents' ability to pay (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emergency_Medical_Treatment_and_Active_Labor_Act). Consider this: neonatal costs for premature babies can exceed $224,000, while the cost of prenatal care services without complications can be under $2,000 (http://www.revolutionhealth.com/healthy-living/pregnancy/planning-pregnancy/financial-planning/cost-prenatal-care-delivery).
With these odds and the costs associated with a higher risk of preterm delivery without prenatal care, why don't hospitals offer free or reduced-fee prenatal care to mothers who do not have health insurance, can't afford prenatal care and do not qualify for state-sponsored welfare programs?
Instead, in an effort to otherwise be profitable, they set themselves up to lose money when babies suffer premature birth that could be avoided through proper prenatal care.
I am PRO MOM!!!
Aaron Bouren
Advocate Aaron
Watch these videos to understand the tragic consequences of premature birth:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JsFT1xEIHzM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WC33uGceglM
Complications from premature birth include premature lungs, respiratory distress syndrome, pneumonia, apnea, infection, jaundice, bleeding of the brain, anemia, PDA, sepsis and death (http://www.americanpregnancy.org/labornbirth/complicationspremature.htm).
One of the main causes for premature birth in the United States is the lack of prenatal care. In fact, the HRSA says that "babies born to mothers who received no prenatal care are three times more likely to be born at low birth weight and five times more likely to die, than those whose mothers received prenatal care" (http://mchb.hrsa.gov/programs/womeninfants/prenatal.htm).
Why do so many mothers forego proper prenatal care? Simply put, they can't afford it and they can't get insurance to cover it. Many seek payment plans that they can afford, but doctors and hospitals can be unwilling to perform prenatal care services without large up-front fees.
Money is more important to them than healthy babies.
From the hospital's perspective, this makes no sense -- especially when the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act dictates that they must care for premature babies with emergency medical conditions, regardless of the parents' ability to pay (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emergency_Medical_Treatment_and_Active_Labor_Act). Consider this: neonatal costs for premature babies can exceed $224,000, while the cost of prenatal care services without complications can be under $2,000 (http://www.revolutionhealth.com/healthy-living/pregnancy/planning-pregnancy/financial-planning/cost-prenatal-care-delivery).
With these odds and the costs associated with a higher risk of preterm delivery without prenatal care, why don't hospitals offer free or reduced-fee prenatal care to mothers who do not have health insurance, can't afford prenatal care and do not qualify for state-sponsored welfare programs?
Instead, in an effort to otherwise be profitable, they set themselves up to lose money when babies suffer premature birth that could be avoided through proper prenatal care.
I am PRO MOM!!!
Aaron Bouren
Advocate Aaron
Laid Off And Pregnant? You Have Options
The boilover from the recession has forced many American companies to lay off employees. If you're pregnant and laid off, you're probably worried about how you will afford your prenatal care, delivery and other maternity-related expenses without employer-provided health insurance. The sad reality is that even when you've taken every step necessary to keep you and your family covered, you can't depend on the benefits you've worked so hard to secure. Still, pregnant women who have been laid off have options for avoiding a gap in health care coverage.
The Foundation for Health Coverage Education (http://www.coverageforall.org) has issued five steps you need to take if you've been laid off and want to avoid a gap in health insurance coverage here (http://www.emaxhealth.com/2/72/27117/holding-your-health-coverage.html) as reported by EmaxHealth.com. And BankRate.com has also covered the topic here (http://www.marketwatch.com/News/Story/Story.aspx?guid={39766BA8-D7E1-4F3D-BEF1-C7826EAE83AF}&siteid=mktw) at MarketWatch.com.
Both articles suggest education as the key to maintaining health insurance coverage, and both mention COBRA, spouse policies and self-paid insurance as options. While these are definitely viable options, each adds additional expenses to your budget. If you can't afford the additional premiums, these options aren't available to you.
If you can afford it, however, federal law prohibits pregnancy from being treated as a pre-existing condition if you have already had health care coverage for maternity health and you have a limited gap in insurance coverage (http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/hipaa/). If you did not already have insurance, this does not apply to you (makes sense, right? Wrong). What's more, even if you did have insurance at your old job and begin a new job with another insurance policy, you might be subjected to as much as a 90-day waiting period before coverage begins (while the HIPAA law prevents pregnancy from being considered a pre-existing condition that prohibits your transition from one insurance plan to the next, it does not bar insurers from instituting the normal waiting period all policyholders must endure).
Calling your state insurance commissioner's office, as suggested by the BankRate.com article, can be a good starting point; but unfortunately I've had many experiences trying to get reliable and useful information from state officials that ended up as wild goose chases. When you're pregnant, you can't afford to wait weeks and months for insurance -- you need it now to protect you and your baby.
So, if you can't afford the options detailed in the articles referenced here, and if you do not qualify for state-sponsored insurance plans, and if you can't get any good information from your state officials, and if you can't find a new job -- what can you do?
Your most valuable tool is education -- learn, learn, learn. Learn how the system works and what you can do to get good insurance for yourself and your baby. Resources can be found at sites like The American Pregnancy Association (http://www.americanpregnancy.org) and Maternity Health (http://www.maternityhealth.org), both non-profit organizations that work to advocate healthy pregnancies. And if you're at a complete loss to find coverage, try using a service like Maternity Advantage (http://www.maternityadvantage.com), which helps pregnant women find help and negotiates medical bills on behalf of pregnant women.
No matter how the economy is, being laid off puts hardship on a family -- especially when you're already pregnant. Be proactive, make smart decisions, keep your chin up and use the resources available to you so you can confidently care for yourself and your children without the financial and personal stresses that come with doing nothing.
I am PRO MOM!!!
Aaron Bouren
Advocate Aaron
The Foundation for Health Coverage Education (http://www.coverageforall.org) has issued five steps you need to take if you've been laid off and want to avoid a gap in health insurance coverage here (http://www.emaxhealth.com/2/72/27117/holding-your-health-coverage.html) as reported by EmaxHealth.com. And BankRate.com has also covered the topic here (http://www.marketwatch.com/News/Story/Story.aspx?guid={39766BA8-D7E1-4F3D-BEF1-C7826EAE83AF}&siteid=mktw) at MarketWatch.com.
Both articles suggest education as the key to maintaining health insurance coverage, and both mention COBRA, spouse policies and self-paid insurance as options. While these are definitely viable options, each adds additional expenses to your budget. If you can't afford the additional premiums, these options aren't available to you.
If you can afford it, however, federal law prohibits pregnancy from being treated as a pre-existing condition if you have already had health care coverage for maternity health and you have a limited gap in insurance coverage (http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/hipaa/). If you did not already have insurance, this does not apply to you (makes sense, right? Wrong). What's more, even if you did have insurance at your old job and begin a new job with another insurance policy, you might be subjected to as much as a 90-day waiting period before coverage begins (while the HIPAA law prevents pregnancy from being considered a pre-existing condition that prohibits your transition from one insurance plan to the next, it does not bar insurers from instituting the normal waiting period all policyholders must endure).
Calling your state insurance commissioner's office, as suggested by the BankRate.com article, can be a good starting point; but unfortunately I've had many experiences trying to get reliable and useful information from state officials that ended up as wild goose chases. When you're pregnant, you can't afford to wait weeks and months for insurance -- you need it now to protect you and your baby.
So, if you can't afford the options detailed in the articles referenced here, and if you do not qualify for state-sponsored insurance plans, and if you can't get any good information from your state officials, and if you can't find a new job -- what can you do?
Your most valuable tool is education -- learn, learn, learn. Learn how the system works and what you can do to get good insurance for yourself and your baby. Resources can be found at sites like The American Pregnancy Association (http://www.americanpregnancy.org) and Maternity Health (http://www.maternityhealth.org), both non-profit organizations that work to advocate healthy pregnancies. And if you're at a complete loss to find coverage, try using a service like Maternity Advantage (http://www.maternityadvantage.com), which helps pregnant women find help and negotiates medical bills on behalf of pregnant women.
No matter how the economy is, being laid off puts hardship on a family -- especially when you're already pregnant. Be proactive, make smart decisions, keep your chin up and use the resources available to you so you can confidently care for yourself and your children without the financial and personal stresses that come with doing nothing.
I am PRO MOM!!!
Aaron Bouren
Advocate Aaron
Exercise During Pregnancy Reduces Costs and Complications
You probably know that exercise is a great way to stay in shape and prepare for delivery for most healthy women with low-risk pregnancies. But did you know that exercise during pregnancy might also save you money?
According to a recent study published in The Reproductive Health Journal (http://www.reproductive-health-journal.com/content/5/1/10) and reported by The New York Times (http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/02/health/02baby.html?_r=1&ref=science), regular exercise during pregnancy might reduce the chance that you will ask for an epidural during delivery. If you're uninsured and paying for your pregnancy out-of-pocket, foregoing an epidural could save you between $600 and $2,500, depending on which hospital you deliver in.
This isn't to say that you should force yourself to skip an epidural just to save money -- if you're in a great deal of pain you might need one regardless. However, it does suggest that a physician-approved exercise regimen might better prepare you for delivery and reduce the pain of delivery so you don't feel that you need an epidural.
Exercise during pregnancy might also prevent gestational diabetes, referenced here (http://www.webmd.com/baby/guide/exercise-during-pregnancy), which comes with its own complications and expenses not to mention a greater risk of the development of adult diabetes in both mother and child.
The benefits of exercise during pregnancy also extend to stress relief and relaxation, increased stamina and muscle tone and increased overall health. Make sure you check with your doctor before beginning or continuing an exercise program during pregnancy to find out of there are any specific restrictions you must keep in mind. In general, pregnant women should be limited to moderate activity that doesn't make you gasp for air. Light swimming, bicycling and walking are three good examples.
So pull on your sweats or don your swimsuit for a bit of exercise. You and baby will be healthier, and you might just save a few bucks, too.
I am PRO MOM!!!
Aaron Bouren
Advocate Aaron
According to a recent study published in The Reproductive Health Journal (http://www.reproductive-health-journal.com/content/5/1/10) and reported by The New York Times (http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/02/health/02baby.html?_r=1&ref=science), regular exercise during pregnancy might reduce the chance that you will ask for an epidural during delivery. If you're uninsured and paying for your pregnancy out-of-pocket, foregoing an epidural could save you between $600 and $2,500, depending on which hospital you deliver in.
This isn't to say that you should force yourself to skip an epidural just to save money -- if you're in a great deal of pain you might need one regardless. However, it does suggest that a physician-approved exercise regimen might better prepare you for delivery and reduce the pain of delivery so you don't feel that you need an epidural.
Exercise during pregnancy might also prevent gestational diabetes, referenced here (http://www.webmd.com/baby/guide/exercise-during-pregnancy), which comes with its own complications and expenses not to mention a greater risk of the development of adult diabetes in both mother and child.
The benefits of exercise during pregnancy also extend to stress relief and relaxation, increased stamina and muscle tone and increased overall health. Make sure you check with your doctor before beginning or continuing an exercise program during pregnancy to find out of there are any specific restrictions you must keep in mind. In general, pregnant women should be limited to moderate activity that doesn't make you gasp for air. Light swimming, bicycling and walking are three good examples.
So pull on your sweats or don your swimsuit for a bit of exercise. You and baby will be healthier, and you might just save a few bucks, too.
I am PRO MOM!!!
Aaron Bouren
Advocate Aaron
A Valuable Negotiating Tool
If you've been reading my blog or conducting independent research elsewhere, you probably know by now that over 90% of hospital bills are inflated or include erroneous charges. You probably also know that hospitals often charge the uninsured as much as 400% more than they charge the insured for the exact same procedures.
Why such a discrepancy? Being that most people would purchase medical insurance if they could afford it, it seems ludicrous to overcharge the segment of the population that is least able to afford hospital services. Instead, those who wish to pay their bills and only seek fair and reasonable pricing are punished for not having insurance or not being able to pay their entire bills up-front -- even though hospitals might tack on extra fees even when charges have been pre-negotiated.
A major contributing factor in overcharges is probably that the uninsured have no knowledgeable advocates to negotiate on their behalf. Those who have health insurance have the backing of the insurance companies (who do not wish to pay more than what is necessary, though even they overlook charges in the interest of saving man-hours); and those who qualify for Medicare and Medicaid have the backing of the government (which would likely refuse to pay anything it doesn't agree with). Unfortunately, Moms In The Middle and other uninsured people have no such automatic benefits and feel they are forced to accept whatever terms hospitals offer in order to receive proper medical treatment; whether it's for a broken foot or it's for prenatal care and delivery.
The key to successful medical billing negotiation is education -- the uninsured have to use the resources available to them to understand hospital procedures and medical billing practices. They must negotiate fair terms before receiving services, and get everything in writing to reduce the likelihood of disputes that could ruin credit history.
One valuable tool to use when educating oneself is the Hospital Prices Revealed section of HospitalVictims.org (http://www.hospitalvictims.org/hv_hosp_home.asp). With this tool you can search for your hospital and learn useful information such as the hospital Cost To Charge Ratio, Ancillary Billing and Total Hospital Charges. This means you can find out how much cost your hospital actually incurs for every dollar it charges and learn the percentage of fee mark-ups -- giving you the power to knowledgeably negotiate terms based on what you know the hospital can afford.
The tool also compares your hospital's Cost To Charge Ratio and mark-up percentage with The John Hopkins Hospital, widely regarded as one of the finest medical institutions in the nation. This is a great feature because, in most cases, Johns Hopkins has more reasonable pricing for better services -- another bargaining point to use during negotiation.
Let's examine a couple of hospitals with this tool, one from a major city and the other from a small city:
Dallas County Hospital District (Dallas, TX)
Cost To Charge Ratio: .43 (It costs this hospital 43 cents to operate for every dollar charged to patients)
Mark-Up: 234%
Platte County Memorial Hospital (Wheatland, Wyoming)
Cost To Charge Ration: .68 (It costs this hospital 68 cents to operate for every dollar charged to patients)
Mark-Up: 146%
Some hospitals are even worse with operating costs at only 6 cents or less per dollar. What a profit margin! But knowing this information for your specific hospital can help you negotiate fair and reasonable fees. In essence, you know what the hospital's profit margin is, and you can push them to work within the profit window they've created. For example, the Dallas hospital in the preceding example would still make a profit if it charged you half as much as normal fees (at that rate, the hospital would incur fees of 86 cents per dollar charged. By comparison, Johns Hopkins incurs fees of 85 cents per dollar charged).
So if you're negotiating with your hospital without an advocate, add this weapon to your arsenal to help negotiate the best deals. And don't forget the check out the other resources available to you at Maternity Health (www.maternityhealth.org) and Maternity Advantage (www.maternityadvantage.com). The more you know, the more you'll save on your pregnancy.
I am PRO MOM!!!
Aaron Bouren
Advocate Aaron
Why such a discrepancy? Being that most people would purchase medical insurance if they could afford it, it seems ludicrous to overcharge the segment of the population that is least able to afford hospital services. Instead, those who wish to pay their bills and only seek fair and reasonable pricing are punished for not having insurance or not being able to pay their entire bills up-front -- even though hospitals might tack on extra fees even when charges have been pre-negotiated.
A major contributing factor in overcharges is probably that the uninsured have no knowledgeable advocates to negotiate on their behalf. Those who have health insurance have the backing of the insurance companies (who do not wish to pay more than what is necessary, though even they overlook charges in the interest of saving man-hours); and those who qualify for Medicare and Medicaid have the backing of the government (which would likely refuse to pay anything it doesn't agree with). Unfortunately, Moms In The Middle and other uninsured people have no such automatic benefits and feel they are forced to accept whatever terms hospitals offer in order to receive proper medical treatment; whether it's for a broken foot or it's for prenatal care and delivery.
The key to successful medical billing negotiation is education -- the uninsured have to use the resources available to them to understand hospital procedures and medical billing practices. They must negotiate fair terms before receiving services, and get everything in writing to reduce the likelihood of disputes that could ruin credit history.
One valuable tool to use when educating oneself is the Hospital Prices Revealed section of HospitalVictims.org (http://www.hospitalvictims.org/hv_hosp_home.asp). With this tool you can search for your hospital and learn useful information such as the hospital Cost To Charge Ratio, Ancillary Billing and Total Hospital Charges. This means you can find out how much cost your hospital actually incurs for every dollar it charges and learn the percentage of fee mark-ups -- giving you the power to knowledgeably negotiate terms based on what you know the hospital can afford.
The tool also compares your hospital's Cost To Charge Ratio and mark-up percentage with The John Hopkins Hospital, widely regarded as one of the finest medical institutions in the nation. This is a great feature because, in most cases, Johns Hopkins has more reasonable pricing for better services -- another bargaining point to use during negotiation.
Let's examine a couple of hospitals with this tool, one from a major city and the other from a small city:
Dallas County Hospital District (Dallas, TX)
Cost To Charge Ratio: .43 (It costs this hospital 43 cents to operate for every dollar charged to patients)
Mark-Up: 234%
Platte County Memorial Hospital (Wheatland, Wyoming)
Cost To Charge Ration: .68 (It costs this hospital 68 cents to operate for every dollar charged to patients)
Mark-Up: 146%
Some hospitals are even worse with operating costs at only 6 cents or less per dollar. What a profit margin! But knowing this information for your specific hospital can help you negotiate fair and reasonable fees. In essence, you know what the hospital's profit margin is, and you can push them to work within the profit window they've created. For example, the Dallas hospital in the preceding example would still make a profit if it charged you half as much as normal fees (at that rate, the hospital would incur fees of 86 cents per dollar charged. By comparison, Johns Hopkins incurs fees of 85 cents per dollar charged).
So if you're negotiating with your hospital without an advocate, add this weapon to your arsenal to help negotiate the best deals. And don't forget the check out the other resources available to you at Maternity Health (www.maternityhealth.org) and Maternity Advantage (www.maternityadvantage.com). The more you know, the more you'll save on your pregnancy.
I am PRO MOM!!!
Aaron Bouren
Advocate Aaron
Cut Costs With Coupons and FREE Online Offers
Pregnancy is expensive, as many moms who have had to pay for their own prenatal care and delivery know. The costs of pregnancy can be defrayed by negotiating associated medical bills in advance, scrutinizing individual charges on medical bills, setting up payment plans and by educating oneself on pregnancy-related medical billing practices through organizations like Maternity Health (http://www.maternityhealth.org/).
But medical bills aren't the only expenses associated with pregnancy: groceries related to diet changes, exercise club or pool memberships and maternity clothing are all part of the maternity experience. In addition, expectant mothers often benefit from certain comfort products like pillows, especially in late-term pregnancy -- not to mention the expense of having a newborn baby at home. This is where coupons and free samples can add up to big savings for new and soon-to-be mothers.
By taking advantage of free product samples and coupons mothers can literally save hundreds of dollars each year, which can free up funds for paying pregnancy-related medical bills, household finances, savings or even for a much-deserved vacation with baby in tow.
A quick online search yields hundreds of results for freebies and coupons, and by checking the websites of product brands one can find dozens of valuable offers that aren't widely distributed. Some of the things mothers can get free samples of or coupons for include:
· Diapers
· Diaper Bags
· Baby Foods
· Formula
· Strollers
· Baby Beds
· Cord Blood Registries
· Magazines
· Groceries
· Maternity Clothes
· Toys
· Pictures
· Child Safety Kits
· Bedding
· Hygiene (Shampoo, Soap, Lotion, etc.)
· And More
And here's a non-comprehensive list of some sites that offer or have links to free coupons or free samples related to pregnancy and babies:
· http://www.freebabyoffers.com/
· http://www.planningfamily.com/
· http://www.huggiesbabynetwork.com/index.aspx
· http://www.youandyourfamily.com/lower.php?url=coupons
· http://www.babiesonline.com/
· http://www.thebabyduck.com/coupons.htm
· http://www.monkeybargains.com/
· http://www.momsview.com/
· http://babycheapskate.blogspot.com/
· http://onlinebabycoupons.com/
· http://www.parenthub.com/family/savings/baby.htm
· http://www.thebabycorner.com/baby-free-stuff/
· http://www.coolsavings.com/
· http://www.couponmountain.com/Dreamtime_Baby-coupons-deals.html
· http://www.couponsaver.org/baby-children-coupons-codes.html
· http://www.allonlinecoupons.com/ct/baby-and-kids/
· http://www.johnsonsbaby.com/special-offers-expanded.jsp
· http://www.couponmom.com/
· http://coupons.smartsource.com//index.aspx?Link=5S2ZUA6PWPEPO
· http://print.coupons.com/CouponWeb/Offers.aspx?pid=13306&zid=iq37&nid=10
· http://www.grocerycoupons.com/
· http://www.ppgazette.com/
· http://www.thecouponclippers.com/
Remember, this is just a small sampling of resources available on the web. If you can't find a specific product or service you'd like during your pregnancy or for your child, do an exact search for what you want with a search engine like Google (http://www.google.com) and make sure you check the manufacturer's website to see if they have any direct special offers.
You need to be in control of your pregnancy, and coupons and free samples are two ways in which you can free up more money to help you afford the best care for your children and yourself.
I am PRO MOM!!!
Aaron Bouren
Advocate Aaron
But medical bills aren't the only expenses associated with pregnancy: groceries related to diet changes, exercise club or pool memberships and maternity clothing are all part of the maternity experience. In addition, expectant mothers often benefit from certain comfort products like pillows, especially in late-term pregnancy -- not to mention the expense of having a newborn baby at home. This is where coupons and free samples can add up to big savings for new and soon-to-be mothers.
By taking advantage of free product samples and coupons mothers can literally save hundreds of dollars each year, which can free up funds for paying pregnancy-related medical bills, household finances, savings or even for a much-deserved vacation with baby in tow.
A quick online search yields hundreds of results for freebies and coupons, and by checking the websites of product brands one can find dozens of valuable offers that aren't widely distributed. Some of the things mothers can get free samples of or coupons for include:
· Diapers
· Diaper Bags
· Baby Foods
· Formula
· Strollers
· Baby Beds
· Cord Blood Registries
· Magazines
· Groceries
· Maternity Clothes
· Toys
· Pictures
· Child Safety Kits
· Bedding
· Hygiene (Shampoo, Soap, Lotion, etc.)
· And More
And here's a non-comprehensive list of some sites that offer or have links to free coupons or free samples related to pregnancy and babies:
· http://www.freebabyoffers.com/
· http://www.planningfamily.com/
· http://www.huggiesbabynetwork.com/index.aspx
· http://www.youandyourfamily.com/lower.php?url=coupons
· http://www.babiesonline.com/
· http://www.thebabyduck.com/coupons.htm
· http://www.monkeybargains.com/
· http://www.momsview.com/
· http://babycheapskate.blogspot.com/
· http://onlinebabycoupons.com/
· http://www.parenthub.com/family/savings/baby.htm
· http://www.thebabycorner.com/baby-free-stuff/
· http://www.coolsavings.com/
· http://www.couponmountain.com/Dreamtime_Baby-coupons-deals.html
· http://www.couponsaver.org/baby-children-coupons-codes.html
· http://www.allonlinecoupons.com/ct/baby-and-kids/
· http://www.johnsonsbaby.com/special-offers-expanded.jsp
· http://www.couponmom.com/
· http://coupons.smartsource.com//index.aspx?Link=5S2ZUA6PWPEPO
· http://print.coupons.com/CouponWeb/Offers.aspx?pid=13306&zid=iq37&nid=10
· http://www.grocerycoupons.com/
· http://www.ppgazette.com/
· http://www.thecouponclippers.com/
Remember, this is just a small sampling of resources available on the web. If you can't find a specific product or service you'd like during your pregnancy or for your child, do an exact search for what you want with a search engine like Google (http://www.google.com) and make sure you check the manufacturer's website to see if they have any direct special offers.
You need to be in control of your pregnancy, and coupons and free samples are two ways in which you can free up more money to help you afford the best care for your children and yourself.
I am PRO MOM!!!
Aaron Bouren
Advocate Aaron
Small Stresses During Pregnancy Can Be Bad For Baby
Pregnancy comes with many stresses, especially for women without access to maternity insurance. These Moms In The Middle are providers, and they struggle with everything from affording proper prenatal care and putting food on the table to scheduling doctor appointments around work and managing social relations and family time. And according to this study (http://www.smh.com.au/news/lifeandstyle/parenting/pregnancy--birth/small-stresses-in-pregnancy-affects-child/2008/12/01/1227979932594.html), these stresses can have negative affects on the baby that present themselves after birth.
Conducted by The Telethon Institute for Child Health Research (http://www.ichr.uwa.edu.au/), the study demonstrated a link between stresses during pregnancy and an increase in disobedient and aggressive behavior during early childhood; concluding that such stresses as financial troubles, social conflict, job loss and pregnancy-related problems may affect the brains of developing fetuses and lead to such behavior.
It's a proven fact that women who do not have access to the tests, vitamins and knowledge afforded by proper prenatal care are much more likely to experience complications during pregnancy and delivery; and children of mothers who do not receive proper prenatal care are three times more likely to have a low birth weight and five times more likely to die (http://www.womenshealth.gov/faq/prenatal-care.cfm).
But this study shows that such complications are not only brought on by the lack of prenatal care, but also the stresses that a mother faces when she fears she is not able to properly care for her unborn child, her already-born children, her home and her job. Financial stresses caused by the inability to afford prenatal care and the inaccessibility of prenatal insurance can be the root of problems that persist into preschool. Personal conflicts, such as when a mother is angry after being denied prenatal care or when arguing the balance of a maternity-related bill, can also cause undue stress and harm the unborn child.
With this information, it again seems as if doctors and hospitals are causing harm to these women and their unborn children by not allowing for affordable prenatal care payment plans for uninsured women -- thereby turning these women away and burdening them with financial stresses and personal conflict. This seems a hypocrisy from those who have taken the Hippocratic Oath.
It is important for women to remember that no matter how disheartening this scenario is, there are always opportunities to get help. Don't give up on getting proper prenatal care, and try not to stress out too much over the injustices of society. A mother's number one goal during pregnancy is to give birth to a healthy baby, a miraculous joy that even the most prudish practitioners cannot take away. For those who struggle with finances and conflict related to unaffordable or unavailable prenatal care, organizations like Maternity Health and Maternity Advantage are loaded with resources for educating oneself about the maternity medical billing system, how to get affordable prenatal care and how to negotiate pregnancy-related bills.
I am PRO MOM!!!
Aaron Bouren
Advocate Aaron
Conducted by The Telethon Institute for Child Health Research (http://www.ichr.uwa.edu.au/), the study demonstrated a link between stresses during pregnancy and an increase in disobedient and aggressive behavior during early childhood; concluding that such stresses as financial troubles, social conflict, job loss and pregnancy-related problems may affect the brains of developing fetuses and lead to such behavior.
It's a proven fact that women who do not have access to the tests, vitamins and knowledge afforded by proper prenatal care are much more likely to experience complications during pregnancy and delivery; and children of mothers who do not receive proper prenatal care are three times more likely to have a low birth weight and five times more likely to die (http://www.womenshealth.gov/faq/prenatal-care.cfm).
But this study shows that such complications are not only brought on by the lack of prenatal care, but also the stresses that a mother faces when she fears she is not able to properly care for her unborn child, her already-born children, her home and her job. Financial stresses caused by the inability to afford prenatal care and the inaccessibility of prenatal insurance can be the root of problems that persist into preschool. Personal conflicts, such as when a mother is angry after being denied prenatal care or when arguing the balance of a maternity-related bill, can also cause undue stress and harm the unborn child.
With this information, it again seems as if doctors and hospitals are causing harm to these women and their unborn children by not allowing for affordable prenatal care payment plans for uninsured women -- thereby turning these women away and burdening them with financial stresses and personal conflict. This seems a hypocrisy from those who have taken the Hippocratic Oath.
It is important for women to remember that no matter how disheartening this scenario is, there are always opportunities to get help. Don't give up on getting proper prenatal care, and try not to stress out too much over the injustices of society. A mother's number one goal during pregnancy is to give birth to a healthy baby, a miraculous joy that even the most prudish practitioners cannot take away. For those who struggle with finances and conflict related to unaffordable or unavailable prenatal care, organizations like Maternity Health and Maternity Advantage are loaded with resources for educating oneself about the maternity medical billing system, how to get affordable prenatal care and how to negotiate pregnancy-related bills.
I am PRO MOM!!!
Aaron Bouren
Advocate Aaron
Numbers You Need To Know
28,000 + ........... The number of infants under the age of 1 that die each year in the United States
6.9 .................. The number, per every 1,000 life births, of infant deaths in the U.S.
9% ................... Percentage of premature births in the U.S. in 2000
12.7% ................ Percentage of premature births in the U.S. in 2005
29 ...................... The United States currently ranks 29th in infant mortality rate worldwide; the U.S. ranked 12th in 1960.
780,000 ................ Number of women who deliver without medical insurance in the U.S. annually
$10,000 .................. Average cost of pregnancy, including prenatal care and delivery and no complications
$7,800,000 .............. Cost to cover all average uninsured pregnancies in the United States, annually, if such a program existed
$700,000,000,000 ....... Cost to cover banking industry per recent Congressional bailout
Could it be said, then, that our government cares more about the welfare of our wealthy bankers than it does about the lives of our children?
I am PRO MOM!!!
Aaron Bouren
Advocate Aaron
6.9 .................. The number, per every 1,000 life births, of infant deaths in the U.S.
9% ................... Percentage of premature births in the U.S. in 2000
12.7% ................ Percentage of premature births in the U.S. in 2005
29 ...................... The United States currently ranks 29th in infant mortality rate worldwide; the U.S. ranked 12th in 1960.
780,000 ................ Number of women who deliver without medical insurance in the U.S. annually
$10,000 .................. Average cost of pregnancy, including prenatal care and delivery and no complications
$7,800,000 .............. Cost to cover all average uninsured pregnancies in the United States, annually, if such a program existed
$700,000,000,000 ....... Cost to cover banking industry per recent Congressional bailout
Could it be said, then, that our government cares more about the welfare of our wealthy bankers than it does about the lives of our children?
I am PRO MOM!!!
Aaron Bouren
Advocate Aaron
When Does Prenatal Care Begin?
One thing that really bothers me is when women take pregnancy advice from their friends and co-workers. Though well-intentioned, and possibly even correct, only a certified medical professional is qualified to give you advice regarding your pregnancy. Which is why I'm dumbfounded when I hear that many women are routinely led astray when asking the question: "When does prenatal care begin?"
The answer is RIGHT NOW! As soon as you know you're pregnant, or even think you might be pregnant, you need to get an appointment with a qualified prenatal care provider to determine the steps you need to take to increase the likelihood for a normal pregnancy and a healthy baby. Not doing so creates an enormous and unnecessary risk. In fact, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Resources states that:
Babies born to mothers who received no prenatal care are three times more likely to be born at low birth weight, and five times more likely to die, than those whose mothers received prenatal care. (http://mchb.hrsa.gov/programs/womeninfants/prenatal.htm).
Even though you can't see the baby through an ultrasound yet, that doesn't mean you should wait 10 to 12 weeks (as some women are advised) before beginning prenatal care. First trimester prenatal care is extremely important, as referenced in this CNN article (http://www.cnn.com/HEALTH/library/PR/00008.html). Preventative care leads to healthy babies, and education is key -- you need to know what foods you need to eat, what vitamins you need to take, what exercises you need to do and what things you are not allowed to do (i.e., smoking) while pregnant to give your baby the best chance for survival and to reduce the chance of complications for yourself during delivery. In addition, tests must be performed on you to calculate any associated risk factors you might have.
Even if you've already had children and "know the routine," you must keep in mind that new medical advances are made all the time -- there might be a new breakthrough discovery that changes the way you prepare for childbirth, for instance -- or perhaps even your body has changed and special precautions will need to be taken during delivery.
If you do not have insurance to cover prenatal care or the money to afford it yourself, look to your state to see what prenatal care assistance programs you qualify for. And if you make too much money to qualify for such programs, contact Maternity Health and Maternity Advantage to see how you can obtain the best possible care for yourself and your child.
Prenatal care is not an option, it is a necessity.
I am PRO MOM!!!
Aaron Bouren
Advocate Aaron
The answer is RIGHT NOW! As soon as you know you're pregnant, or even think you might be pregnant, you need to get an appointment with a qualified prenatal care provider to determine the steps you need to take to increase the likelihood for a normal pregnancy and a healthy baby. Not doing so creates an enormous and unnecessary risk. In fact, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Resources states that:
Babies born to mothers who received no prenatal care are three times more likely to be born at low birth weight, and five times more likely to die, than those whose mothers received prenatal care. (http://mchb.hrsa.gov/programs/womeninfants/prenatal.htm).
Even though you can't see the baby through an ultrasound yet, that doesn't mean you should wait 10 to 12 weeks (as some women are advised) before beginning prenatal care. First trimester prenatal care is extremely important, as referenced in this CNN article (http://www.cnn.com/HEALTH/library/PR/00008.html). Preventative care leads to healthy babies, and education is key -- you need to know what foods you need to eat, what vitamins you need to take, what exercises you need to do and what things you are not allowed to do (i.e., smoking) while pregnant to give your baby the best chance for survival and to reduce the chance of complications for yourself during delivery. In addition, tests must be performed on you to calculate any associated risk factors you might have.
Even if you've already had children and "know the routine," you must keep in mind that new medical advances are made all the time -- there might be a new breakthrough discovery that changes the way you prepare for childbirth, for instance -- or perhaps even your body has changed and special precautions will need to be taken during delivery.
If you do not have insurance to cover prenatal care or the money to afford it yourself, look to your state to see what prenatal care assistance programs you qualify for. And if you make too much money to qualify for such programs, contact Maternity Health and Maternity Advantage to see how you can obtain the best possible care for yourself and your child.
Prenatal care is not an option, it is a necessity.
I am PRO MOM!!!
Aaron Bouren
Advocate Aaron
Home Birth As A Viable and Economical Option
Mom gives birth in hospital parking lot... http://www.charlotteobserver.com/local/story/349324.html
Woman gives birth in midair...
http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7012807278
Woman gives birth in taxi...
http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=CSTB&p_theme=cstb&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0F364DC945AFB8D9&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM
What do these stories tell us? That despite what many hospitals will tell you, it is possible to give birth without them. All of the women mentioned in the stories above gave birth under duress, and though these scenarios are not ideal they do demonstrate that life goes on even in extreme situations -- and making the prospect of home birth seem far easier than many in the medical community would have you believe.
In the United States, it's estimated that about 0.65% of women choose to deliver their babies at home each year. With four million babies born in the U.S. annually, that amounts to around 26,000 home births. While reasons for home birth vary, the decision to deliver at home is often made based on attitudes toward/previous bad experiences at hospitals, a desire to be surrounded by friends and family in a comfortable setting, or economic feasibility.
For healthy women unable to obtain maternity insurance, a home birth can be as much as 60% cheaper than hospital delivery. Most women probably think that they're always better off giving birth in a hospital setting, but several studies have found this belief to be inaccurate. In fact, at least one study has shown a lower infant mortality rate and an increased chance of normal vaginal delivery in home births as compared to hospital births, and another showed that women who gave birth at home experienced fewer difficulties. Overall, based on the studies conducted to-date, it can be said that that there is virtually no more risk involved in giving birth at home than in a hospital.
You can learn more about these figures here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Home_birth.
Naturally, these figures apply to healthy mothers who have had proper prenatal care, which can be expensive in its own right for uninsured pregnant women. In addition, it is advisable to hire a midwife for any planned home birth. Midwives aren't just labor coaches; they're trained to recognize warning signs that might necessitate an emergency hospital trip after all. In some states, it can be illegal to hire a midwife, and this is mentioned in the Wikipedia article referenced above. You can find a midwife in your area by visiting The American College of Nurse-Midwifes here: http://www.midwife.org/index.cfm.
If you're considering a home birth, be sure to properly evaluate all the risks and take the proper steps to plan for a successful home delivery:
· Don't forego prenatal care, as this can lead to tragic complications
· Make sure you're still in reasonable proximity to a hospital, just in case you or your baby do
require emergency medical care. While it appears that home delivery can be as safe as
hospital delivery, you simply cannot plan for everything
· Learn the pros and cons -- for instance, you will not have access to pain medications
· Set up your birthing room well in advance, and walk through the procedure with your
midwife and anyone who will also be in the room. Some women use tubs when delivering at
home; and ice chips and cool rags should be on hand to keep you comfortable
· Keep in mind that there are many conditions that make home birth a high-risk endeavor. If
you've ever had a c-section, or are diabetic, or have any other medical condition that might
affect delivery, you should not consider home birth as an option
· No matter what you do, make sure you've been fully evaluated for potential risks by a
certified medical professional. You do not want to jeopardize your life or your baby's, but if
you take the proper precautions and plan carefully home birth can be an economical option
and rewarding experience.
I am PRO MOM!!!
Aaron Bouren
Advocate Aaron
Woman gives birth in midair...
http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7012807278
Woman gives birth in taxi...
http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=CSTB&p_theme=cstb&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0F364DC945AFB8D9&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM
What do these stories tell us? That despite what many hospitals will tell you, it is possible to give birth without them. All of the women mentioned in the stories above gave birth under duress, and though these scenarios are not ideal they do demonstrate that life goes on even in extreme situations -- and making the prospect of home birth seem far easier than many in the medical community would have you believe.
In the United States, it's estimated that about 0.65% of women choose to deliver their babies at home each year. With four million babies born in the U.S. annually, that amounts to around 26,000 home births. While reasons for home birth vary, the decision to deliver at home is often made based on attitudes toward/previous bad experiences at hospitals, a desire to be surrounded by friends and family in a comfortable setting, or economic feasibility.
For healthy women unable to obtain maternity insurance, a home birth can be as much as 60% cheaper than hospital delivery. Most women probably think that they're always better off giving birth in a hospital setting, but several studies have found this belief to be inaccurate. In fact, at least one study has shown a lower infant mortality rate and an increased chance of normal vaginal delivery in home births as compared to hospital births, and another showed that women who gave birth at home experienced fewer difficulties. Overall, based on the studies conducted to-date, it can be said that that there is virtually no more risk involved in giving birth at home than in a hospital.
You can learn more about these figures here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Home_birth.
Naturally, these figures apply to healthy mothers who have had proper prenatal care, which can be expensive in its own right for uninsured pregnant women. In addition, it is advisable to hire a midwife for any planned home birth. Midwives aren't just labor coaches; they're trained to recognize warning signs that might necessitate an emergency hospital trip after all. In some states, it can be illegal to hire a midwife, and this is mentioned in the Wikipedia article referenced above. You can find a midwife in your area by visiting The American College of Nurse-Midwifes here: http://www.midwife.org/index.cfm.
If you're considering a home birth, be sure to properly evaluate all the risks and take the proper steps to plan for a successful home delivery:
· Don't forego prenatal care, as this can lead to tragic complications
· Make sure you're still in reasonable proximity to a hospital, just in case you or your baby do
require emergency medical care. While it appears that home delivery can be as safe as
hospital delivery, you simply cannot plan for everything
· Learn the pros and cons -- for instance, you will not have access to pain medications
· Set up your birthing room well in advance, and walk through the procedure with your
midwife and anyone who will also be in the room. Some women use tubs when delivering at
home; and ice chips and cool rags should be on hand to keep you comfortable
· Keep in mind that there are many conditions that make home birth a high-risk endeavor. If
you've ever had a c-section, or are diabetic, or have any other medical condition that might
affect delivery, you should not consider home birth as an option
· No matter what you do, make sure you've been fully evaluated for potential risks by a
certified medical professional. You do not want to jeopardize your life or your baby's, but if
you take the proper precautions and plan carefully home birth can be an economical option
and rewarding experience.
I am PRO MOM!!!
Aaron Bouren
Advocate Aaron
Uncle Sam's Bail Out
Financial institutions aren't the only ones bailing out these days. It seems even Uncle Sam, who so willingly lends billions to failed former stalwarts of capitalism, jumps ship when it comes to taking care of the men and women who so courageously put their lives on the line for the United States of America.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sdyL8Iz3TgU
The story told in this video demonstrates how hard-working, patriotic Americans are slighted by the system, unable to qualify for affordable health care and relegated to spend a great deal of money just to ensure that their children are given the proper medical care necessary for survival. This family of three had to pony up nearly $2,000 over three months for health insurance -- more than most facing similar situations can afford -- just to cover a lapse in health care coverage after a sailor suffering post-traumatic stress disorder brought on by fighting in Afghanistan made the transition from military health care coverage to civilian health care coverage.
If even the U.S. military won't take care of the very men and women who fight for our freedom -- not to mention the rights of the very insurance companies that refused to cover a pregnant woman -- who will take care of you?
I am PRO MOM!!!
Aaron Bouren
Advocate Aaron
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sdyL8Iz3TgU
The story told in this video demonstrates how hard-working, patriotic Americans are slighted by the system, unable to qualify for affordable health care and relegated to spend a great deal of money just to ensure that their children are given the proper medical care necessary for survival. This family of three had to pony up nearly $2,000 over three months for health insurance -- more than most facing similar situations can afford -- just to cover a lapse in health care coverage after a sailor suffering post-traumatic stress disorder brought on by fighting in Afghanistan made the transition from military health care coverage to civilian health care coverage.
If even the U.S. military won't take care of the very men and women who fight for our freedom -- not to mention the rights of the very insurance companies that refused to cover a pregnant woman -- who will take care of you?
I am PRO MOM!!!
Aaron Bouren
Advocate Aaron
Pregnancy as a "Condition"
If you're at all familiar with health insurance benefits, you probably know that many health insurance providers will not cover pre-existing conditions -- or if they do, you will be subjected to a waiting period and lapse in coverage (i.e., a lapse in affordable treatment) for your pre-existing condition upon acceptance.
What qualifies as a pre-existing condition? Sad to say, but it's many, many things -- diagnosed or not. As defined by the About.com Medical Review Board, a pre-existing condition is "any health condition you already have when you enroll in a health insurance plan or policy." (http://healthinsurance.about.com/od/glossary/g/preex1.htm).
And what is a condition? According to the Medline Plus service provided by the U.S. Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health, a condition is "a usually defective state of health" (http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/mplusdictionary.html).
Apparently, the operative word here is "usually," as pregnancy almost certainly could not be construed as a defective state of health. In fact, it's quite the opposite as it is the only way to perpetuate the human species. As such, most health insurance providers would consider pregnancy to be a pre-existing condition and deny maternity coverage to pregnant women whenever possible.
While the HIPAA Laws prohibit pregnancy from being considered a pre-existing condition, this only applies to those women who have had insurance without a lapse of 63 days and are switching jobs or health care providers; and not those who previously had no insurance.
Without the means to obtain health insurance or to afford prenatal care, this leads to a severe increase pregnancy-related complications; giving rise to such "conditions" as premature birth, c-sections, disease and even death.
For low income families, state welfare systems often foot the bill for prenatal care. But for middle class families that make too much money to qualify for such programs yet do not have employer-provided health care benefits (or the income to purchase health care themselves), there is little recourse other than to forgo proper care or burden the family with debt with extreme repayment terms that ultimately are unaffordable and wreak havoc on credit scores -- carving a financial hole from which families have little hope of ever climbing out of.
That condition -- the condition of poverty -- is what fuels this vicious cycle. Middle class families without the means to afford health insurance and who have suffered such injustices have realized that they're better off poor, for the sake of their children. How then, can these families be expected to aspire to achieve the "American Dream"?
I am PRO MOM!!!
Aaron Bouren
Advocate Aaron
What qualifies as a pre-existing condition? Sad to say, but it's many, many things -- diagnosed or not. As defined by the About.com Medical Review Board, a pre-existing condition is "any health condition you already have when you enroll in a health insurance plan or policy." (http://healthinsurance.about.com/od/glossary/g/preex1.htm).
And what is a condition? According to the Medline Plus service provided by the U.S. Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health, a condition is "a usually defective state of health" (http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/mplusdictionary.html).
Apparently, the operative word here is "usually," as pregnancy almost certainly could not be construed as a defective state of health. In fact, it's quite the opposite as it is the only way to perpetuate the human species. As such, most health insurance providers would consider pregnancy to be a pre-existing condition and deny maternity coverage to pregnant women whenever possible.
While the HIPAA Laws prohibit pregnancy from being considered a pre-existing condition, this only applies to those women who have had insurance without a lapse of 63 days and are switching jobs or health care providers; and not those who previously had no insurance.
Without the means to obtain health insurance or to afford prenatal care, this leads to a severe increase pregnancy-related complications; giving rise to such "conditions" as premature birth, c-sections, disease and even death.
For low income families, state welfare systems often foot the bill for prenatal care. But for middle class families that make too much money to qualify for such programs yet do not have employer-provided health care benefits (or the income to purchase health care themselves), there is little recourse other than to forgo proper care or burden the family with debt with extreme repayment terms that ultimately are unaffordable and wreak havoc on credit scores -- carving a financial hole from which families have little hope of ever climbing out of.
That condition -- the condition of poverty -- is what fuels this vicious cycle. Middle class families without the means to afford health insurance and who have suffered such injustices have realized that they're better off poor, for the sake of their children. How then, can these families be expected to aspire to achieve the "American Dream"?
I am PRO MOM!!!
Aaron Bouren
Advocate Aaron
I'm Baaaack!
I am so excited to be back blogging. I hope you enjoy the new look and feel of the website, and never worry, I will still do fun and stupid things to get my point across and also make you laugh. I know sometimes I tend to run on, but I am very passionate about what I do and I have found this website to be a way for me to not only educate others, but to mentally get a break by "braindumping" what's on my mind. Thank you for being a part of "real change." Let's spend the rest of this year and 2009 focusing on actually making a difference and not talking about it.
I am PRO MOM!!!
Aaron Bouren
Advocate Aaron
I am PRO MOM!!!
Aaron Bouren
Advocate Aaron
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