Having a baby in the United States can be an expensive venture, leaving many families grappling with substantial medical bills, even if they have insurance. A recent study reveals that the costs associated with childbirth for those with employer-sponsored health plans have surged alarmingly, primarily due to “cost-sharing” and various other factors.
The research, published in the January 2020 edition of the journal Health Affairs, examined over 650,000 women who gave birth in the U.S. between 2008 and 2015. It focused on the “trends in cost-sharing for maternity care” for women with employer-based health insurance before and after the Affordable Care Act came into play. The findings indicated that, in 2015, women with employer-sponsored health insurance spent an average of $4,500 out-of-pocket for labor and delivery, a dramatic increase from just over $3,000 in 2008.
“I don’t know many patients who have that kind of money readily available,” commented Rachel Green, an assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Illinois and the study’s lead author. “These expenses arise during a time when families are focused on their baby registry—things like cribs and car seats—and they aren’t prepared for an unexpected bill like this.”
Moreover, for women covered under these employer plans—which account for about half of U.S. births—the costs now exceed the average monthly income. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average full-time worker earns just over $41,000 annually, which breaks down to around $3,400 monthly.
The study also highlighted that despite the Affordable Care Act mandating coverage for maternity services, high costs for childbirth persist. Insurance providers often pass on certain expenses to patients through co-payments and deductibles. During this period, typical deductible payments rose from slightly above $1,500 to nearly $2,500, and coinsurance costs climbed by around $300.
“It was surprising to discover that almost everyone faced some out-of-pocket costs for maternity care,” noted Green. “By the conclusion of the study, 98% of participants had incurred additional expenses.”
It’s essential to keep in mind that this average cost pertains to insured women. For those without insurance, childbirth expenses can soar to approximately $32,000, as reported by The Guardian.
“Most Americans don’t have sufficient savings for unexpected healthcare expenses,” Green remarked. “With 45% of pregnancies in the U.S. being unplanned, many women are caught off guard by the costs outlined in this study, amplifying their financial burden.”
Green hopes her research will bring awareness to the high costs associated with childbirth and the pressing need for protective measures for women in the U.S. “America is the only high-income nation with an increasing maternal mortality rate, while all our peer countries are seeing a decline,” she stated. “We need policies that can reduce or eliminate out-of-pocket costs for maternity care. Access to essential health services shouldn’t lead to debt.”
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In summary, the financial burden of childbirth in America continues to rise, leaving many families unprepared for the significant out-of-pocket costs associated with maternity care. The need for systemic change in healthcare policies is evident, as these essential services should be accessible to all without the threat of financial hardship.
Keyphrase: childbirth costs in America
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