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