Are Childbirth Classes Covered By Insurance?

What if your childbirth education class was covered by insurance? 

Here at She Births Bravely, we help thousands of moms prepare for their upcoming birth every month. Either through our free resources here on the blog, our own 8-week childbirth preparation class, or by referring moms to other online childbirth classes that might align with their own values and personality. 

For every mom, there is a right childbirth education class! 

But, What Happens When You Look At The Cost Of A Class And You Think, Oh Crap, That’s Expensive? 

I know, when you are preparing for a baby, you have a lot of things on your mind and a lot of demands on your wallet. 

Did you know that your childbirth education classes may be covered by insurance? And that you can use your flex savings or health savings accounts to pay any difference? 

How Do You Get Your Childbirth Education Class Covered By Your Insurance? 

The first thing you have to do is call your insurance and find out what you are eligible for. 

Grab your insurance card. 

On the back there is a number to call. 

Call them. 

Tell them you want to take a childbirth class and ask what the process is to have part or all of your class covered. 

They will be able to tell you what and how much they will pay towards childbirth education classes. Most insurance plans cover chidbirth classes either partially or in full.

What Is The Normal Process To Have My Childbirth Education Class Covered By Insurance? 

Once you know how much your insurance will cover for you for your class, you need to know how to do it. 

Most of the time you will pay out of pocket for the class. Then you will have to submit a form and your receipt to your insurance company. 

If you purchase the Healthy Start Birth Prep course you will receive an email immediately that you can submit to your insurance company for reimbursement. 

This email will also have the relevant codes on it that your insurance company will use to properly submit your claim. 

What Codes Do I Need To Give To My Insurance Company To Have My Childbirth Education Covered By Insurance? 

There are two pieces of information you need to give your insurance company when asking about coverage.

This is the CPT code so they can appropriately document the purpose and the diagnosis code, that tells them why you should be covered.

The insurance CPT code for childbirth classes is: S9436. You may also need this: Diagnosis code Z32.2, which is for childbirth education.

Will My Class Be Fully Covered By Insurance? 

Unfortunately, there is no way to know without calling your insarnce provider directly. But it’s good to know that, yes, childbirth education is covered either fully or partially in mosts states and on most plans.

But, at the end of the day, every plan and state is different.

For example, some plans only cover up to a certain dollar amount, such as $90 for first-time moms and $45 for second-time (or more) moms.

Other plans will cover the entire thing.

It’s up to you to call your insurance and find out what you personally are eligible for. 

What If I Don’t Have Insurance Or Money To Pay For A Course? 

Hey, I’ve been there! Preparing for a baby is expensive. I do not know what your options are for other classes, but when it comes to the Healthy Start Birth Prep, we have several options for moms who can’t afford classes, but really need to participate. Reach out and ask us about our options for brand ambassadors or need-based scholarships. 

Send your inquiry to contact @ shebirthsbravely.com

Why Should I Spend Money On Childbirth Education Classes? 

Childbirth classes can be an investment that protects not only your health but your financials as well.

Here are just some of the benefits of taking a proper and thorough childbirth education class: 

• Reduce your risk of c section
• Reduce the risks of preterm birth 
• Decrease chances of tearing
• Have a shorter pushing stage
• Reduce the risk of postpartum depression
• Need fewer interventions and technological assistance (like forceps or pitocin) as you birth
• Increase the odds your baby will be in a good position
• Learn how to cope with pain
• Increase your knowledge on what is happening at every stage of labor
• Advocate for the best experience possible for you
• Deeper bonding and strengthening of your family
• Make connections and friends that can support you in this new stage of life

When you have a less complicated birth, birth is also less expensive, which means that you save money in the long run as well.

What Makes A Good Birthing Class? 

You can check out of full list on what makes a good childbirth education class here.

What If I Don’t Want To Prepare For Birth Through A Class?

That’s fine! Classes can be mega empowering and a great way to connect. But sometimes you bare too busy, too broke, or truly just need a light refresher. If you prefer a DIY approach, we have a list of the best books and documentaries to prepare you for an amazing birth here. 

When Should I Start A Birthing Class? 

A good quality birthing class will meet for 1 to 2 hours for 5 to 10 weeks. If you can take it in half a day on a Saturday, it is probably more about helping you be a good patient then developing birth skills. 

Because of this, you should start classes early. I recommend beginning as early as 20 weeks. However, you can take classes at any time. I’ve seen moms take classes and join before they are even pregnant or sign up at 38 weeks and cram as much information as possible. 

But, starting at 20 weeks gives you plenty of time to not just take in the information, but to also practice any skills you need to develop for birth. Not to mention, that one of the most crucial ways you will reduce your risks and improve safety for yourself and your baby during your pregnancy is through your nutrition. 

Most childbirth classes will prepare you thoroughly about what to eat. This knowledge  is better gained sooner than later! 

To Summarize, Are Birthing Classes Covered By Insurance? 

Yes, most insurance plans cover birthing classes (called childbirth education) either fully or partially. To find out what exactly is covered by your plan, call the customer service number on the back of your card. Give them the code and diagnosis code below:

The insurance CPT code for childbirth classes is: S9436.

Diagnosis code Z32.2, which is for childbirth education. 

Anything not covered by insurance can be paid for with a health savings or flexible savings account or out of pocket. 

I’m so excited for you to birth and hope you have an amazing experience! 

Until next time, 

Suzzie Vehrs 

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