North Dakota

In North Dakota, 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 designed to ensure expectant parents can access the medical services they need. Here are some key programs and services:

1. State Plans and Programs

a. North Dakota Medicaid

North Dakota’s Medicaid program provides health coverage for eligible low-income pregnant individuals. Covered services include:

• Prenatal and postpartum care
• Labor and delivery
• Hospital stays
• Infant care for up to one year after birth

Eligibility is determined by income and household size. Learn more and apply at North Dakota's Medicaid.

b. North Dakota Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)

CHIP offers low- or no-cost health coverage for pregnant individuals and children up to age 19 in families with incomes too high for Medicaid but still needing affordable care. Coverage includes prenatal care, ultrasounds, delivery, and well-child visits. Learn more at ND CHIP.

1. Employer-Sponsored Plans

Expectant parents can enroll in health coverage through their own employer or through a spouse’s employer-sponsored insurance plan. Most plans cover prenatal appointments, routine testing and ultrasounds, labor and delivery, and postpartum checkups. Coverage details vary by plan, so it’s important to review plan documents or contact HR departments for specifics.

1. Health Insurance Marketplace

North Dakotans can shop for health insurance through the federal Health Insurance Marketplace. Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), all marketplace plans must include maternity and newborn care as essential health benefits. Financial assistance may be available based on income. Compare and enroll at Healthcare.gov.

1. Private/Individual Insurance Plans

Individuals can also purchase private insurance plans outside the Marketplace. These plans may offer varying levels of maternity coverage, so it's important to check what’s included. Children and young adults under age 26 may be covered by a parent’s plan if dependent coverage is offered. Marketplace plans allow dependents to stay covered until December 31 of the year they turn 26.

1. Other Assistance Programs

a. Indian Health Service (IHS): American Indian and Alaska Native individuals in North Dakota may receive maternity care through IHS or tribal health facilities. Services typically include prenatal, delivery, and postnatal care at low or no cost.

b. North Dakota Department of Health – Maternal and Child Health Programs: While not insurance programs, these services support access to prenatal care, family planning, and newborn screenings.

c. Sliding Fee Clinics: Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and community health centers offer maternity care on a sliding fee scale based on income. Find a health center near you.