We’re in that time of year again when companies allow employees to review and choose their health benefits. This means you can either stick with your current health insurance or switch to a new plan. Previously, I’ve leaned towards a pricier health insurance package, but with plans for a family on the horizon, our perspective has shifted. My husband and I are planning to have a baby, though not immediately—probably in the next year or two. So, expanding our family significantly influences our choice of health insurance.
### Pregnancy and PPO Insurance
A PPO plan gives you the flexibility to pick any doctor within your network, which is usually larger than an HMO network. But for pregnant women, PPOs come with some downsides, mainly the 20% copayment on all maternity and hospital expenses, plus the deductible. It’s crucial to think about your maximum out-of-pocket costs because unexpected medical issues or a high-risk pregnancy can push those costs to the limit. PPOs also tend to have higher premiums compared to HMOs, making out-of-pocket expenses greater. For example, our PPO plan costs $120 per paycheck, whereas an HMO comes in at just $15 per paycheck.
### Pregnancy and HMO Insurance
The main advantage of an HMO plan is its lower cost. Typically, HMOs have cheaper premiums than PPOs, dependent on your employer. Many HMO plans cover maternity care costs completely or to a large extent. The downside is the limited network; you have to stick with your primary care physician within the plan’s network.
### PPO vs. HMO: Our Decision
Initially, I was excited about using midwives because I have a strong aversion to hospitals. But the thought of potentially facing an $8,000 bill if something went wrong made us choose the HMO instead. We’ll save about $200 a month on premiums, and maternity care will be mostly free. This decision brings me peace of mind, as I didn’t want financial stress while pregnant. Stress isn’t good for the baby, so being happy with our health insurance means fewer complications down the line. While only time will tell if we made the right choice, right now, I feel very satisfied. Additionally, I plan to manage stress through exercise, yoga, massages from my husband, and drinking green tea.