5 Ways Health Insurance Is Failing Expecting Moms Financially

Open enrollment season often prompts families to take a closer look at their health coverage, but for many expecting moms, it highlights how expensive and confusing insurance can be. A new survey from What to Expect found that the costs and gaps in coverage are leaving many parents frustrated, and in some cases, distrustful of the healthcare system itself.

1. Rising Costs Before the Baby Arrives

Prenatal care can be one of the biggest expenses of pregnancy. While 84% of moms with Cigna said they were satisfied with their prenatal coverage, only 72% of UnitedHealthcare (UHC) members felt the same.

That drop in satisfaction often ties back to higher out-of-pocket expenses. Many moms report paying more than expected for ultrasounds, genetic testing, and specialist visits, services they assumed were fully covered. For families on tight budgets, these surprise costs can add up quickly.

2. Confusion About What’s Actually Covered

One of the most common complaints among moms in the survey was the lack of clarity around coverage. Six in ten moms with UHC said they struggled to understand what their insurance included. Insurance jargon, inconsistent billing, and poor communication leave many parents guessing what they will owe.

This uncertainty makes it hard to plan financially during pregnancy, a time when most families are already stretching their budgets to prepare for a new baby.

3. Delivery Bills That Keep Growing

Labor and delivery costs can vary widely depending on the hospital, provider, and plan. Even among moms who were generally satisfied with their coverage, fewer felt the same once delivery day arrived. While 68% of Cigna members said they were satisfied with their labor and delivery coverage, many still faced unexpected bills afterward.

From epidural charges to room fees, the complexity of hospital billing often results in additional costs that parents do not see coming until after the fact.

4. Limited Provider Networks

Another financial burden comes from the struggle to find doctors and hospitals that accept certain plans. Only 19% of Cigna members said they had trouble finding an in-network provider, compared to higher levels of frustration among other insurers.

When moms cannot find covered providers nearby, they often end up paying out-of-network prices or switching doctors mid-pregnancy. Both situations increase medical costs and add unnecessary stress during an already overwhelming time.

5. A Growing Distrust in the System

Perhaps the most telling finding is the emotional impact these financial pressures create. Half of moms with UnitedHealthcare said their experiences with insurance have made them distrustful of the healthcare system altogether.

Between opaque pricing, inconsistent communication, and large bills that arrive weeks later, many families are losing faith that insurance is truly working in their favor. That distrust is not only emotional. It can also lead parents to delay care or avoid certain treatments out of fear of unexpected expenses.

What Matters Most to Moms

When asked what is most important in choosing an insurance plan, moms prioritized low out-of-pocket costs (61%), avoiding surprise bills (54%), and having provider choice (41%). These priorities show that for many families, the issue is not whether coverage exists but whether it is affordable and predictable. As healthcare costs continue to rise, those two factors will likely matter more than ever.

The Impact on Family Budgets

The financial ripple effects of poor coverage can extend far beyond pregnancy. High medical bills contribute to credit card debt, drained savings, and delayed financial goals for many young families. Expecting parents already face major costs for baby gear, childcare, and time off work. When insurance adds another layer of uncertainty, it can throw even the best-laid budgets off track.

Moving Toward Better Coverage

The survey highlights how critical transparency and affordability are for families navigating healthcare. Expecting moms deserve to know upfront what their insurance covers, what it does not, and what it is likely to cost. Simplifying policies and improving provider access could go a long way toward rebuilding trust and easing the financial strain of pregnancy.

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The article 5 Ways Health Insurance Is Failing Expecting Moms Financially first appeared on Cents + Purpose.