Ask Us Anything: I'm Pregnant and Can't Afford Pre-natal Care or Delivery. What Can I Do?

"My husband and I are having a baby in November. I make less than federal minimum wage, and my husband and I will have almost no income (and no insurance) after the start of the fall semester.

Can I get emergency Medicaid for the delivery? If something goes wrong, can I tell them that I'm an illegal immigrant (even though my husband and I are both natural-born U.S. citizens) and not give the hospital my I.D. or social security number?"

Catholic Health Responds:

Congratulations on your pregnancy!

In answer to your question, misrepresenting yourself as an illegal immigrant in order to qualify for assistance is not an option. Doing so would constitute fraud and could lead to your having to pay restitution (which can be hundreds of thousands of dollars) and being criminally prosecuted.

Fortunately, there are resources available to aid with the costs of pregnancy and delivery.

First, apply for Medicaid and the Child Health Plus programs through the county. It is likely that you will qualify for Medicaid, but if your Medicaid application is not accepted, you may at least be able to get coverage for the newborn. Click on the links below for more information:

• Medicaid
• Child Health Plus

If you are a Catholic Health patient, we offer financial assistance for persons who quality. You would receive services as a self-pay patient. Then, you would apply for our Healthcare Assistance Program by providing a letter of financial difficulty and proof of income. Any balance that is left over would need to be paid out-of-pocket (we offer payment plans to make repayment more manageable). 

For more information, please contact our Revenue Management Center at (716) 601-3600.

Also, contact organizations in the Buffalo area that offer assistance to pregnant families. These include:

• WIC – provides formula and food
• The Buffalo Prenatal-Perinatal Network – can help to ensure that your basic needs are being met
• Joan A. Male Family Support Center – provides social and emotional support, pre-natal and peri-natal education, and refers to other needed services, especially medical services
• Harvest House – provides clothing and furniture

Best of luck to you and your family!

If you have a question about your health, click here to ask our experts.