This common medical event leaves women in debt

"According to a new survey, even moms who are insured can end up saddled with medical debt that adds to the financial stress of growing a family. What To Expect, a website that provides new and expecting parents with resources, surveyed 3,285 women on their experiences with labor and delivery charges. The research found that one in four moms have gone into debt due to the costs associated with giving birth. The survey found that, on average, moms are leaving the hospital with around $3,000 in debt."

"According to the respondents, even women with insurance are ending up with hefty tabs from the hospital. Almost half (48%) with self-purchased insurance plans say they've gone into debt due to the costs. Almost a third (32%) of moms with employer-provided plans had the same experience. Furthermore, 18% of moms with Medicaid ended up with debt from out-of-pocket labor and delivery expenses, even though Medicaid is designed for low-income families."

"Given there is no federally mandated maternity leave that ensures moms have time to rest, recover, and bond with their new babies in the U.S., for many, a return to work happens quickly. According to a 2024 report from the Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health, one in four new mothers go back to work just 10 days after giving birth out of financial necessity. Aside from the strain on their bodies, which are still recovering, that early return isn't great for new moms' mental health, either."

3,285 women reported experiences with labor and delivery charges and related costs. One in four mothers went into debt from childbirth-related expenses, leaving the hospital with about $3,000 in debt on average. Insured women commonly face bills: 48% with self-purchased plans, 32% with employer-provided plans, and 18% with Medicaid reported debt from out-of-pocket labor and delivery expenses. Additional newborn costs like diapers and formula add financial pressure. No federal paid maternity leave guarantee exists in the U.S., and one in four new mothers return to work just 10 days after birth for financial reasons, straining recovery and mental health.

Read at Fast Company