Never thought I would be excited about this Gold Card!

The alien lima bean has coverage now!  Through persistence I now have pregnancy Medicaid in the State of Florida.  A tip for the future to all of the women of child-bearing age out there...DO NOT OPT OUT OF MATERNITY COVERAGE!  Opting out of maternity coverage leaves you with extremely limited options, as pregnancy is pretty much a pre-existing condition under most definitions.  You options tend to be, self-pay or Medicaid.

The great thing about pregnancy Medicaid in the State of Florida is that once you are approved, you are approved until 2 months after the baby is born, no matter what (hopefully positive) changes occur in your financial situation.  I had been worried about pursuing currently active accounts and booking meetings without weighing out the risk of losing coverage and now I can go gangbusters with work without worrying about how it will impact my maternity coverage. 

What does Medicaid cover for pregnant women?

• 1 ultrasound
• 10 prenatal visits (14 for high risk pregnancy)
• 2 postpartum visits
• 1 newborn assessment
• delivery, etc.

In today's economy, it is good to know that these resources are out there for folks who may have made the error of opting out of maternity coverage...

Proceeding in an orderly manner...

Well, figured out I can't be anywhere without blurting it out.  The word is out.

After hours of frustration dealing with insurance companies I have come to the realization that there will be NO private insurance coverage for the alien lima bean.  Having owned a medical supply company, I am very aware that Florida Medicaid is not stellar in their reimbursements.  I was then self-charged with the task of locating a board-certified reputable doctor who takes the measly giblets the state hands out.  I spent much of the day yesterday compiling a spreadsheet of doctors who were listed as accepting this pittance...as I called, my dismay worsened as it seems many of them now do NOT accept it any more.

FINALLY, I found a great practice, with a great reputation, with a nice office (yes, I am snobby about that too, I want the alien lima bean to feel special and if I am having to go to the doctor every month I want it to smell good in there).

Comprehensive OB/GYN of Boca and Boynton was amazing and helpful and very kind on the phone.  They offer a free consultation visit which I will be doing on Monday.  I am relieved and hopeful at this news.


On another note, my blurting has gotten the word out, and as everyone says that they don't recommend telling anyone until they are "out of the woods", I need my village whether I am in or out of those woods.  If something goes wrong, I need my village...if something goes right, I need my village.