Pregnancy Help: Medicaid and Show-Me Healthy Babies

Are you pregnant and without health insurance? One of the biggest questions facing pregnant women is how to find pregnancy help to pay for prenatal care and hospital bills. Fortunately, the State of Missouri has insurance programs specifically for pregnant women. Some women may be eligible even if they already have private health insurance or have not yet obtained U.S. citizenship.

Medicaid for Low-Income Pregnant Women

Medicaid is a health insurance program offered through the state government. A pregnant woman can receive Medicaid benefits during pregnancy and up to two months after birth if she meets certain income requirements. Medicaid covers 100% of the cost of prenatal doctor visits, prescriptions, lab tests, hospital care, labor and delivery, postpartum checkups after leaving the hospital, and other medical care associated with pregnancy. Medicaid will also assist with rides to and from the doctor. Women who already have health insurance but meet the Medicaid income requirements can still apply to help pay for medical bills that private insurance will not cover. 

Perinatal Coverage

The Show-Me Healthy Babies program provides healthcare coverage for unborn children and their mother whose family income does not exceed 300% of the federal poverty level for their household size. Once eligible, the coverage continues despite subsequent increases in income. This covers 100% of the cost of prenatal doctor visits, prescriptions, labor and delivery, and postpartum checkups after leaving the hospital.

Applying for Medicaid or Show-Me Healthy Babies

If a woman is eligible for Medicaid or SMHB, she will need a proof of pregnancy statement from a medical clinic verifying her pregnancy and expected due date.

Schedule an Appointment

At Liberty Women’s Clinic, we can give you more information about these insurance programs and provide you with the required medical documentation needed to apply. All of our services are free to you, so contact us today for a nurse consultation.

Citations: https://www.benefits.gov/benefit/1606; https://mydss.mo.gov/healthcare/mohealthnet-for-pregnant-women-and-newborns

*model is stock photo

This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional counseling and/or medical advice.