Health insurance costs for families are rising rapidly. On average, the total amount you have to pay each year for health coverage is now more than $21,000 if you have a family plan covering 2 or more people.
Knowing Common Medical Costs for Mother and Child
To pick the best health insurance, it helps to know what moms and kids spend on health care. Some expenses to plan for:
- Routine well-child and pediatrician visits for checkups, vaccinations, etc. These usually cost $100-$200 per visit without insurance depending on your location and doctor.
- Monthly costs for pregnancy like prenatal vitamins and doctor visits. This adds up week-to-week for pregnant women before birth.
- Hospital birth charges average $10,000-$30,000 without insurance depending on the state and situation. Costs grow fast if extra treatment is needed.
- Ongoing baby costs for items like cribs, strollers, and supplies. Consider second-hand to save.
- Managing conditions like asthma, allergies, and ADHD involves lots of meds, tests, and doctor access which has costs.
Knowing what moms and kids often spend lets you pick health plans and savings tips that lower your total costs the most. Focus choices on what your family needs.
7 Tips For Reducing Mother and Child’s Health Insurance Costs:
1. Choose a Higher Deductible Plan
Plans with higher deductibles have lower monthly premiums. Just be prepared to pay more out-of-pocket before coverage kicks in.
2. See if Your State Offers a Children’s Health Insurance Program
Many states use CHIP to provide low or no-cost coverage options for kids under 19.
3. Only Use in-Network Providers
Using out-of-network doctors or hospitals costs significantly more in most health plans. Stay in-network.
4. Consider Getting on a Partner’s Plan at Work
If your spouse or the child’s other parent has access to coverage at work, evaluate adding family members.
5. Look into Telemedicine to Reduce Visits
Many common illnesses and needs can be treated via phone/video to avoid costly office & ER visits.
6. Use tax advantages like HSAs or FSAs
Money contributed is tax-free for qualified medical expenses, lowering effective health care costs.
7. Speak to Agents Yearly at Open Enrollment
Shop new rates and options each year, as plans and costs change. An expert can help find savings.
Richard t
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