Insurance
In Missouri, expectant parents have access to several health insurance options to help cover the costs associated with pregnancy and childbirth. These options include state programs, employer-sponsored plans, the Health Insurance Marketplace, private insurance plans, and additional assistance programs.
- State Plans and Programs
a. Medicaid for Pregnant Women
MO HealthNet for Pregnant Women offers health coverage for low-income pregnant individuals throughout pregnancy and up to 12 months postpartum. Covered services include prenatal and postpartum care, labor and delivery, hospital stays, and newborn care.
Eligibility is based on income and household size (up to 196% of the federal poverty level for pregnant women). Learn more
b. Show-Me Healthy Babies Program
If a pregnant individual does not qualify for regular Medicaid (MO HealthNet) due to immigration status or other factors, the Show-Me Healthy Babies program may provide full prenatal, labor, delivery, and postpartum care.
It covers children before birth and ensures newborns are eligible for full Medicaid after delivery. Learn more
- Employer-Sponsored Plans
Many Missouri employers offer health insurance that includes maternity and newborn care. These employer-sponsored plans generally cover prenatal visits, ultrasounds, labor and delivery, and postpartum care.
Employees or spouses should review their benefits summary to confirm maternity coverage and learn about out-of-pocket costs, such as copays and deductibles.
- Health Insurance Marketplace
Expectant parents can explore health insurance plans through the Health Insurance Marketplace at Healthcare.gov.
Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), all marketplace insurance plans must cover maternity and newborn care as essential health benefits.
Depending on income, individuals may qualify for premium tax credits or cost-sharing reductions to make insurance more affordable.
- Private/Individual Insurance Plans
Private insurance purchased outside of the Health Insurance Marketplace may also cover pregnancy and childbirth, though coverage varies by plan.
Additionally, individuals under 26 years old may remain covered under a parent’s health insurance plan, which typically includes maternity benefits.
It's important to carefully review plan documents and speak with an insurance representative to understand maternity and newborn coverage before enrollment.
- Other Assistance Programs
a. Sliding Fee Scale Clinics
Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and community health clinics across Missouri provide affordable maternity care based on income.
Services are charged on a sliding fee scale to ensure low-cost prenatal and delivery care.
b. Title X Clinics
Title X clinics offer confidential reproductive health services, including prenatal referrals and care, on a sliding income-based scale.
Missouri Family Health Council, Inc. (MFHC) supports a network of Title X clinics across Missouri. Learn more
c. Show-Me Healthy Women Program
While primarily focused on cancer screenings, the Show-Me Healthy Women program connects women to broader health resources and may help with referrals to pregnancy and prenatal services if needed. Learn more
Additional Support
Navigating health insurance and maternity care options can be overwhelming.
Community health centers and navigators across Missouri assist individuals with applying for Medicaid, Marketplace coverage, or other programs.
Visit Cover Missouri to find free local help with health insurance enrollment and resources.
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