Connecticut

In Connecticut, various health insurance options are available to help cover the costs of pregnancy and childbirth care. These include private insurance plans, Medicaid, and specialized programs aimed at ensuring expectant parents have access to necessary medical services. Here are some key programs and services:

1. State Plans and Programs

Connecticut's Medicaid program (HUSKY Health) provides comprehensive health coverage for low-income pregnant individuals and children. Services covered include:

• Prenatal and postpartum care
• Delivery services
• Hospital stays
• Infant care up to one year after birth

Eligibility is based on income and household size. Pregnant women may qualify for HUSKY A (traditional Medicaid) or HUSKY B (Connecticut's Children's Health Insurance Program). Learn more
HUSKY B (Connecticut's Children's Health Insurance Program): Offers coverage for pregnant individuals and children up to age 19 who don't qualify for HUSKY A but still need assistance. It provides comprehensive care, including prenatal visits, ultrasounds, and delivery services.

1. Employer-sponsored Plans

Pregnant consumers can enroll in coverage through an offer of employer-sponsored coverage (ESC) from their employer or a spouse's job. Many employers in Connecticut offer health insurance that includes maternity and newborn care. Coverage typically includes prenatal visits, ultrasounds, labor and delivery, and postpartum care.

1. Health Insurance Marketplace

Through Access Health CT (Connecticut's Health Insurance Marketplace), pregnant women can explore various health insurance plans that cover pregnancy and childbirth. Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), all marketplace insurance plans are required to cover maternity and newborn care as essential health benefits. Connecticut residents can compare and enroll in plans through Access Health CT.

1. Private/Individual Insurance Plans

Private health insurance purchased outside the marketplace may also provide coverage, though benefits can vary.

Parent's health insurance plan (if that plan offers dependent coverage) can also cover pregnant dependents before their 26th birthday. Employer-sponsored coverage for dependents usually ends during the month of the child's 26th birthday. If the dependent is covered under their parent's Marketplace plan, the dependent can stay on their parent's plan until December 31 of the year they turn 26.

1. Other Assistance Programs

Community Health Centers: Connecticut has numerous federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) that offer prenatal and maternity care services on a sliding fee scale based on income.

Nurturing Families Network: While not an insurance program, this initiative provides support services to first-time parents, including assistance with accessing healthcare.

For assistance navigating insurance options, Connecticut residents can contact local health navigators or Certified Application Counselors through Access Health CT or the Connecticut Association for Healthcare Access.