I briefly wrote about how amazing it was to have a Charlie present at the birth of Hope. If anyone is on the fence or questioning having a doula for their birth experience, I say do it! You can never have too much support while you're in labor.
In January, I decided to write a letter to my insurance company, requesting reimbursement for my doula, or "labor support services." Even though I had been turned down over the phone, Charlie said it wouldn't hurt to send a letter. I mean, really, the worst they could say was no - and I'd already heard that.
Below is the letter I sent (certain areas blocked out for privacy):
(Name/Address/Phone)
DOB: x/xx/xx
(Insurance ID & Account Number)
Date of Delivery: November 15, 2012
January 8, 2013
With the labor support of Charlie Rae Young, DOULA, CLC, SM, I was able to forgo medical pain management and avoid other interventions that are costly to (insurance company), including a cesarean birth, during my recent vaginal birth at Florida Hospital.
The following were charged to (insurance company) during the birth of my first daughter on 11/15/10:
Vacuum Extract/Forceps: $197.00
Vacuum Mityvac: $126.83
Hi Risk Care per hour: $552.00 (8 hours)
Urinary Cath Ins-Foley: $202.00 (2)
OB Epidural Service: $506.00
Urinary Cath Ins-ST CA: $101.00
Daily Bed Service: $1508.00 (quicker recovery, so stayed one less night this time)
This is a savings total to (insurance company) of at least $3192.83, plus the cost of pain medication, as I used much less during the recovery period this time around. The cost of my labor support was $800.00, in which I am requesting reimbursement.
Please feel free to call with any questions.
Sincerely,
Sarah
I mailed it off, crossed my fingers, and waited to hear back. Four weeks later, I opened up my mailbox to see this:
I went screaming into the house, I was so excited. Progress! And my total out of pocket expenses? $230. Not bad.
Feel free to use the above letter to start drafting a letter to YOUR insurance company. If more companies were willing to cover labor support, I'd like to think we'd be on our way to less inductions, c-sections and an all around happier birthing experience for all women. Good luck!
(*Update - I also included an itemized invoice from Charlie along with my letter - something most doulas should provide.)
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Thank you for posting this! I wholeheartedly agree that if labor support was covered it would have such a positive impact.
ReplyDeleteI wish it were that simple with my insurance. They won't even cover my CNM attended homebirth, not after an itemized list of how I saved them over $10,000 by staying out of the hospital. I researched all the numbers and presented and explanation of how my birth was not only safe but also far less expensive than a hospital birth for their company. Denied, and the appeal was denied as well. They won't give me a penny. I am considering a further appeal just on principle, but can't really afford to spend any more out of pocket than I already have. I'm happy your insurance company is reasonable. I wish mine was.
ReplyDeleteCan I ask what was included in your itemized invoice from your doula? This is hot topic among doulas and we are always searching for the right combination of information to include that will give families the best shot at getting reimbursed. Congratulations!!
ReplyDelete@doulaknitter My doula sent me a receipt in the form of a document that included all of her contact information, patient information, diagnosis, CPT code, description of services and unit price - along with total amount paid by me. Hope that helps!
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