Frustrating $$ Issues

[NatashaZ]

I need to vent for a moment. I called several clinics today trying to find somewhere that would take me in for my first prenatal visit. I called one doctor that I am very interested in seeing because I have heard many good things about him (plus he is based out of the hospital I was born in, which is neat!). He charges $350 a visit, the lab work is $500, and I didn't even bother asking what my first sonogram would cost. I love his practice, though, and his nurses are wonderful.

Well, the one nurse I spoke to told me to apply for Healthy NY, because they take Empire through that program and it will help offset the cost of my visits. I was very excited about this because I am dying to see a doctor ASAP (feels like I am not actually pregnant until I see one, is that weird??).

I am pretty sure I qualify for the program, and I have the application and everything, but I think once I mail it in it will take a least a month for them to process. A month!!! I can't take the suspense... I pee on a stick every morning to see a plus sign because I am still in shock about this whole thing. I just want the comfort of seeing a professional and being told all is well and yes, I am pregnant.

It is so frustrating to think I have to wait another month, at least!! I might be in my 2nd tri before I ever make it to a doctor!!

 

[Claudia83]

Have you ever considered using a free clinic until then? I would submit the paperwork and contact a local planned parenthood clinic that can assist you until then and at least make sure all is going as need be.

 

[NatashaZ]

That was actually my first thought after I found out it may take 4+ weeks for insurance to kick in. I did go to planned parenthood about 3 days after I got my BFP, and they charge $55 for a urine test which is mandatory in order to schedule an appointment for anything else. Any further care is not actually free, unless you earn less than a certain amount and qualify for it. I still make more than I can receive benefits like that with, but I am sure the cost of services there will be less. I just didn't want the hassle of having my records transfered over... but guess I don't have a choice

 

[ohbananas]

Well, if it makes you feel better. I didn't get to see a DR till my secend tri, lol, and I still havent gotten an app for an ultrasound, .

 

[Mama627]

I don't get to see a doctor until 10 weeks and I called the day I was 4 weeks preggo. No ultrasounds scheduled either.

 

[Ruthalaska]

I found some links with information about prenatal care for low-income New Yorkers (and some may also help you learn about health care for your baby):

https://www.health.state.ny.us/community/pregnancy/health_care/prenatal/
https://planaheadnewyork.com/publications/6000/
https://www.prochoiceny.org/boc/sect6.shtml
https://www.cdfny.org/Issues/CDFIssues_Health.htm

 

[NatashaZ]

Thank you Ruthalaska, I will def check those out. My biggest issue is that, as far as the govt is concerned, I am not low income. I make about 3000 more a year than the cut off for all benefit programs except for housing assistance. Once baby is born and/or I move in with BF, we will have more assistance as our household size will be larger and he is just a student, no income. We'll see

I am sad I won't get a scan for several more weeks.

 

[Mama627]

In most states, when applying for public assistance, a pregnant woman counts as 2 people. Are you counting that in when you look for programs you apply for?

 

[DarlingMe]

Have you looked into WIC? They will help with food during and after pregnancy, formula, and they have a medical card that has benefits too. Not sure what all the medical assistance deals with but I bet if you tell them you cant afford prenatal vitamins or a proper diet they will get you in a lot quicker. I know a few years ago from an article I was reading that if you had a family of 4 and made less than 50,000 you are eligable for WIC in CA. Each state has their own program so I am not sure of the site.