Delivery Room Expenses: Planning Ahead

When you have a baby, you will be dealing with a number of major expenses in the first year of your child’s life. But the very first big expense you’ll be facing is the bill from the hospital when your child is born. Many new parents experience sticker shock when they see the cost of bringing a child into the world. Even with good insurance, labor and delivery room expenses can run into the thousands of dollars and can end up costing you a few thousand out of pocket.

First, the cost of delivery itself will be billed at around three thousand dollars, depending on what type of delivery you end up having. Cesarian section is more expensive than vaginal delivery, and an “unscheduled” cesarian is apparently an excuse to tack on even more expense. Associated costs, such as amniocentesis, anaesthesia, ultrasound and monitoring are all extra, as are room and board, circumcision fees, and any pediatrician fees. These medical bills will typically be billed to you separately and, if denied by your insurer, can keep on coming even when you think you have finished paying for your delivery.

Also, don’t forget to plan for recovery time. Room and board and fees for recovery are often capped by major insurance providers, so be sure to check with your insurer, HMO or PPO before you go into the hospital. Unexpected bills are the last thing you want to see when you bring your baby home and start your new life as a family. So make sure you know what is covered by your plan before you go into the hospital, and plan to pay a few thousand dollars out of pocket, regardless of who your insurer is.

Of course, having a baby isn’t all about the delivery costs. But planning ahead can help take some of the sting out of those hospital bills and get you and your new baby off to a great start.