Montana

In Montana, expectant parents have access to various 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.

1. State Plans and Programs

a. Medicaid for Pregnant Women

Montana Medicaid for Pregnant Women provides free or low-cost health coverage during pregnancy and up to 12 months postpartum. Services covered include prenatal visits, labor and delivery, postpartum care, and infant health care.
Eligibility is based on income and household size (up to about 157% of the federal poverty level for pregnant women).

b. Healthy Montana Kids Plus (CHIP) for Newborns

If a newborn does not qualify for Medicaid after birth but is still in a low- to moderate-income household, they may qualify for Healthy Montana Kids (HMK) Plus, Montana’s version of the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).
HMK Plus provides comprehensive health coverage, including well-child visits, vaccinations, and hospital care.

1. Employer-Sponsored Plans

Many Montana employers offer group health insurance that covers maternity care, including prenatal visits, delivery, and postpartum care.
If you or your spouse/partner have employer-sponsored insurance, review your plan's Summary of Benefits and Coverage (SBC) or speak with your HR department to confirm the maternity benefits.
Open enrollment or special enrollment periods (due to pregnancy or birth) may allow you to add coverage if needed.

1. Health Insurance Marketplace

Expectant parents can explore coverage through Cover Montana, which connects Montanans to the federal Health Insurance Marketplace.
All Marketplace plans must include maternity and newborn care as essential health benefits under the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
Depending on your income, you may qualify for subsidies to lower your monthly premiums.

1. Private/Individual Insurance Plans

Private insurance purchased outside the Marketplace may also provide maternity coverage, but the extent of benefits can vary.
Check carefully to ensure maternity care is included.
If you are under 26, you may qualify for coverage under a parent’s health insurance plan under the ACA.
Consider working with a licensed Montana insurance broker to compare private plan options.

1. Other Assistance Programs

a. Indian Health Service (IHS)

American Indian and Alaska Native individuals in Montana can access maternity care through the Indian Health Service or tribal health organizations.
Services typically include prenatal care, delivery, and postpartum care.

b. Sliding Fee Scale Clinics

Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and community clinics across Montana offer prenatal care and maternity services on a sliding fee scale based on income.
Services include prenatal visits, ultrasounds, and referrals for delivery.
To find a clinic, visit the Montana Primary Care Association directory.

c. Title X Clinics

Title X-funded clinics provide reproductive health services, including pregnancy testing, prenatal care referrals, and family planning on a sliding scale.
Bridgercare and other providers across Montana participate.

d. Montana Plan First Program

Montana’s Plan First program offers family planning services (not full prenatal care) to eligible low-income women. If pregnant, women are typically transitioned into full Medicaid coverage.
Services include pregnancy testing and referrals to prenatal care.

Montana offers a range of options for expectant parents to access prenatal, childbirth, and postpartum services through public programs, private coverage, and affordable clinic networks. You can contact your nearest community health center or county public health department for enrollment support.