Your health and that of your baby is the utmost priority. Establishing good prenatal care from the beginning of your pregnancy is essential.
Prenatal care monitors your baby’s growth and development, provides screening tests, and assesses your health. It includes ultrasounds, blood pressure checks, blood and urine tests, and more. If you have a high-risk pregnancy or other complications develop, you can also receive specialized care that includes more frequent appointments.
If you’re wondering where to find affordable prenatal care, look no further than the providers under Missouri’s Alternatives to Abortion Program. They’ll help you access the necessary care and connect you to prenatal care providers.
In the meantime, keep reading to learn more about finding medical resources during your pregnancy.
Community Health Centers
In addition to offering basic medical services, community health centers may provide prenatal care on an income-based, sliding fee scale. This payment system is tailored to what you can afford, so you’ll receive the care you need without worrying about your ability to pay.
The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) can help you locate a community health center in your area.
Medicaid
Medicaid can cover prenatal care (including ultrasounds, testing, and check-ups) at low to no cost. Eligibility is determined based on income.
Missouri’s Medicaid website can help you understand eligibility requirements and coverage options.
University Clinics
Colleges and universities with nursing or medical programs may run clinics with prenatal care. These services are often offered at reduced rates because they are incorporated into educational or training programs.
Please know that university clinics must meet appropriate standards of care and receive medical oversight. Through informed consent, you always have the right to have treatment and procedures explained before you agree to them.
Insurance Plans
If you have an insurance plan, it’s worth looking into your current coverage. Some plans offer prenatal care without out-of-pocket costs, making finding the care you need more accessible.
However, you should review your deductible and maximum out-of-pocket costs to estimate the maximum amount you’d be expected to spend. To prevent higher, avoidable costs, you should also only visit in-network providers.
If you do not believe you can afford to pay your deductible or maximum out-of-pocket costs, you should look into other options, like those listed above.
Sorting through your options for prenatal care can be stressful. Luckily, our providers can help you find the care needed for you and your baby at an affordable cost.
Why the Alternatives to Abortion Program?
The providers affiliated with Missouri’s Alternatives to Abortion Program provide comprehensive services that offer support when you need it most. You’ll have a network of supportive people and resources—at every stage of your pregnancy and parenting journey.
You are eligible for the Program if you are a pregnant woman who:
- Wants to carry your unborn child to term instead of having an abortion
- Is a United States resident who lives in Missouri
- Makes less than 185% of the federal poverty level
Our providers will help you find quality prenatal care. Contact us today to learn more about Missouri’s Alternatives to Abortion Program. You can also email DFAS.A2APROGRAMS@dss.mo.gov with any questions.
