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Already Pregnant

What If You're Already Pregnant And Need California Health Coverage?

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The most frantic calls we receive from California health insurance shoppers typically involve pregnancy and being uninsured.

There have always been some resources available in California for this situation but they've expanded as of late so we'll walk through full spectrum plans to consider if you're pregnant and uninsured in California.

You can always run your quote here:

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Pregnant woman reviewing health insurance options with documents and laptopCOBRA Option

First, if you have a Cobra option (continuation of group health), make sure to keep these options available.

Do not lapse them as the options available outside of these two may not be better.

We just don't want to lose options.

You can check with your prior group carrier or administrator to see if these are available to you and group health plans generally cover maternity in California.

Cobra is more expensive but you'll have access to the broadest networks of providers which may be important during pregnancy.

Covered California and/or Medi-Cal

Coverage through Covered California and on the Individual market are guaranteed issue which means that pre-existing conditions and/or pregnancy do not affect our ability to qualify. There are also no waiting periods!

There are open enrollment windows (generally Nov 1st - Jan 31st) during which we need to enroll but pregnancy might allow you to come on board throughout the year.

There are also Special Enrollment triggers that allow this as well (think marriage, loss of coverage, moving, etc).

You can access the online application here:

How to apply for California obamacare

Within Covered California, if you answer yes to pregnancy, the system will generally offer Medi-cal right away.

We may still be able to get the standard plans but it's best to call with your particular situation to 800-320-6269 or email at help@calhealth.net

You can run your Health Plan Quote here to view rates and plans side by side from the major carriers...Free.

Again, there is absolutely no cost to you for our services. Call 800-320-6269 Today!

Frequently Asked Questions
▸ Can I get health insurance in California if I'm already pregnant?
Yes. In California, pregnancy is not a pre-existing condition that can be used to deny coverage or raise your premium. Both Covered California and Medi-Cal are options worth exploring, and a licensed agent can help you find coverage even mid-pregnancy.
▸ Does Covered California cover pregnancy and maternity care?
Maternity and newborn care is one of the ten essential health benefits required under California law, so plans offered through Covered California generally include pregnancy coverage. The specific cost-sharing varies by metal tier and plan, so getting a current quote is the best way to compare your options. You can start with a Covered California quote to see plans available to you.
▸ Can I enroll in Covered California or Medi-Cal outside of Open Enrollment if I'm pregnant?
Pregnancy-related circumstances may qualify you for a Special Enrollment Period on Covered California, and Medi-Cal accepts applications year-round with no enrollment window. Speaking with a licensed agent can help you determine which pathway applies to your situation.
▸ What is the COBRA option for a pregnant woman who lost job-based coverage?
If you recently lost employer-sponsored health insurance, COBRA allows you to temporarily continue that same coverage, which can be valuable if you're mid-pregnancy and already seeing specific providers. However, COBRA premiums can be costly since you pay the full premium yourself, so it's worth comparing it against Covered California or Medi-Cal before deciding.
▸ Is help from CalHealth.net free if I'm shopping for maternity coverage?
Yes. CalHealth.net is operated by licensed California agents (Goodacre Insurance Services, licensed since 1994), and their assistance is at no cost to you - you pay the same premium as going directly to the carrier. You can reach them at 800-320-6269 or visit the contact page to book a free 30-minute call.
The answers above are general information about California health insurance and may change as rates, plans, and rules are updated each year. They are not a substitute for personalized advice. For current, personalized guidance, please contact us, email help@calhealth.net, or call 800-320-6269. Serving California since 1994.
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