At Magnolia Birth House, we aim to individualize every aspect of your care. This includes billing.
You might be wondering:
“How much does a midwife cost?”
“Will insurance cover midwifery services?”
“Can I afford out-of-hospital birth?”
Copays, deductibles, exclusions. In-network, out-of-network. The terms surrounding the cost of childbirth seem endless.
We get it. Paying for out-of-hospital birth be confusing.
But we promise to be helpful and transparent when discussing our birth center costs. Much like with your prenatal care, labor and birth, and postpartum visits, we want you to feel heard when it comes to your billing questions.
This guide will answer some of the most asked questions we hear from prospective clients about benefits, billing, payments, reimbursements, and more.
Is my insurance in-network or out-of-network with Magnolia?
Magnolia Birth House is currently in-network with Aetna, Cigna, Florida Blue/Blue Cross Blue Shield, United, Molina, Ambetter, and select Medicaid managed care organizations (MCOs).
When you come to Magnolia Birth House for a tour and consultation, we will do a verification of benefits. Through this process, we are able to determine if your insurance is in-network or out-of-network as well as the client responsibility and coverage limits for your policy. Using the information we can give you specific information about what portion of your prenatal care costs and facility fees will be covered.
Although it’s useful for you to know what your benefits are, it also helps us collect every piece of relevant information at one time. This call from our billing service, to your insurance company is typically recorded. Verifying you benefits free and done as a courtesy for clients interested in delivery with Magnolia.
Once you are a client, our administrator will meet with you to discuss your specific insurance coverage and financial situation. Together, we will create a payment plan with a schedule that fits your budget.
What is the cost of childbirth with insurance that’s in-network with Magnolia?
If your insurance is in-network with Magnolia, the financial process works similarly to how it would if you were receiving care at a traditional healthcare clinic. Having an in-network insurance plan can make billing more predictable than being out-of-network.
Depending on your insurance plan, you may have a copay or be responsible for paying a portion of your deductible. We will then bill your insurance company for the services you receive.
Because we are in-network with several insurance companies, most Magnolia Birth House clients have their care covered by their plans. This makes the cost of childbirth with insurance reasonable and affordable.
However, it’s important to note there are some exclusions that in-network insurance companies do not cover. These include:
Magnolia Birth House registration fee: $150
A comprehensive package of seven childbirth classes: $275
Postpartum collection of must-haves, like pads and swaddling blanket: $50
Tub rental fee, if applicable, which covers an individual, disposable liner and hoses: $75
Consultation with our medical director, if necessary: $100 (These are rare and happen for only a small fraction of Magnolia clients.)
In addition, lab work and ultrasounds are billed to insurance. Again, it depends on your plan, but there could be copays or a deductible portion that will fall to patient responsibility.
How much does the birth center cost if my insurance is out-of-network?
Many insurance plans pay significant out-of-network benefits for birth center facility fees for midwives in Florida. We will figure out how to best work with your insurance as an out-of-network provider.
Our insurance biller will offer suggestions, and our administrator is extremely knowledgeable and happy to answer your questions at any point during your care. Our billing specialist can check your specific insurance coverage and talk with you about the details.
If you are out-of-network or self-pay, the fee for childbirth services at Magnolia Birth House is $5,900, which is due by 36 weeks. This cost includes prenatal care, childbirth education courses, labor and delivery services, birth supplies, a postpartum lactation visit, and six weeks of postpartum care. Again, we are happy to discuss a payment plan that will fit your budget and schedule.
If you do not see your insurance company above on the list of in-network plans, that does not mean you can only get out-of-network coverage. You may be able to request an in-network exception with your carrier.
What happens with billing after the birth?
Following the birth of your baby, we will bill your private insurance on your behalf if you have in-network coverage. If your insurance is out-of-network, we can either bill your insurance or provide you with a bill to send to your insurance company for reimbursement.
We generally see all claims resolved by your final six-week postpartum visit. However, sometimes the process takes longer, and we will continue to work with your insurance company to finalize all financial obligations.
Depending on your plan and its coverage, you might end up with a balance due to Magnolia. In this case, the margin is small, usually less than $500. On the other hand, you could be entitled to a refund. Either way, we will let you know.
How do I become a client at Magnolia Birth House?
Are you ready to learn more about our midwifery services at Magnolia? Then the next step is to schedule a free consultation.
The consultation gives you a chance to ask questions, tour the birth center, and meet the midwives. It’s an obligation-free appointment to discuss your options with us.
This time also allows us to get to know you, answer your questions, educate you about midwifery care, and share other local resources. We enjoy meeting you and your family, and we welcome partners or friends who may be involved with your prenatal and postpartum care.
