Your Complete Guide to Maternity Benefits
Everything you need to know — from your first prenatal visit to bringing your baby home.
Pregnancy is one of the most significant experiences of your life and your Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas (BCBSKS) health plan is designed to support you through every stage of it. This guide breaks down your maternity benefits in plain language, explains what's covered and when and gives you clear steps to use each benefit. Bookmark it, share it and come back to it whenever you have questions.
What's in This Guide
1. Maternity & Prenatal Coverage
What's covered, when it starts and how to make the most of it.
Your BCBSKS plan covers maternity care as an essential health benefit — from the moment you confirm your pregnancy through postpartum recovery. Here's what that includes:
- Prenatal office visits with your OB-GYN Maternity provider or midwife
- Routine lab work and prenatal screenings (blood tests, glucose testing, genetic screenings)
- Ultrasounds ordered by your provider
- Hospital labor and delivery — vaginal and cesarean
- Anesthesia and epidural services
- Postpartum care visits (typically up to 6 weeks after delivery)
- Newborn care — your baby's first exams in the hospital
All of these services count toward your annual deductible and out-of-pocket maximum. Once you've hit your out-of-pocket max, covered services are paid at 100%.
First step: Confirm your OB, midwife and hospital are in-network
Using in-network providers — including your OB/Maternity Provider and your delivery hospital or birth center — is the single most important thing you can do to keep costs predictable. Use the Doctor & Hospital Finder in BlueAccess to verify both before your first appointment. If your provider or delivery facility's network status changes during your pregnancy, contact Customer Service to review your coverage and available options.
How to Get Started
| 1 | Confirm your pregnancy with your doctor Schedule your first OB appointment as soon as possible — typically around 8 weeks. Your doctor will confirm your due date and establish your care plan. |
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| 2 | Verify your OB and hospital are both in-network Log in to BlueAccess and use the Doctor & Hospital Finder to confirm both your OB (or midwife) and your planned delivery hospital or birth center are in-network. This step can save you significant out-of-pocket costs at delivery. |
| 3 | Understand your cost-sharing In your BlueAccess portal, locate your Summary of Benefits and Coverage (SBC) to review your deductible, copays and out-of-pocket maximum for maternity services. Your SBC spells out exactly what you'll owe per visit and for your hospital stay. |
| 4 | Plan for your hospital stay Contact your hospital's billing department ahead of time to understand your estimated delivery costs. For planned cesareans, prior authorization may be required — your doctor handles this on your behalf. |
| 5 | Add your baby to your plan within 30 days After delivery, you have 30 days to add your newborn to your health plan. Don't miss this window. Log in to BlueAccess to update your coverage. Before your baby arrives, it's also a good idea to choose a pediatrician and confirm they are in your plan's network. |
Helpful links: Doctor & Hospital Finder BlueAccess member portal
2. If Your Pregnancy Is High-Risk
What it means, what changes and how BCBSKS supports you every step of the way.
A high-risk pregnancy doesn't mean something is wrong — it means your care team is paying closer attention. Whether it's due to your age, a pre-existing condition, a multiple pregnancy or something that develops along the way, high-risk pregnancies require additional monitoring and support. Your BCBSKS plan is built to cover that extra level of care.
What makes a pregnancy high-risk?
Common factors include: advanced maternal age (35+), carrying multiples (twins, triplets), pre-existing conditions like diabetes, hypertension or thyroid disorders, a history of preterm birth or pregnancy loss or new conditions that develop during pregnancy such as gestational diabetes or preeclampsia. Your OB will discuss your specific situation with you.
How Your Care May Look Different
High-risk pregnancies are often managed by a maternal-fetal medicine (MFM) specialist — also called a perinatologist — in addition to or instead of a standard OB. Your care routine may include:
- More frequent prenatal visits — sometimes every 1–2 weeks instead of monthly
- Additional ultrasounds and fetal monitoring (biophysical profiles, non-stress tests)
- Extra lab work — glucose tolerance tests, thyroid panels and blood pressure monitoring
- Specialist consultations — cardiology, nephrology, endocrinology or others depending on your condition
- Earlier or more detailed conversations about your birth plan and delivery options
- Possible bed rest, medication or modified activity restrictions
Your coverage supports higher-intensity care
All medically necessary visits, tests, specialist consultations and monitoring ordered by your provider are covered as part of your maternity benefit. If you are seeing an MFM specialist, verify they are in-network using the Doctor & Hospital Finder in BlueAccess — just as you would for your OB.
Enroll in Maternity Nurse Coaching — Especially Valuable for High-Risk Pregnancies
If your pregnancy is high-risk, enrolling in BCBSKS's Maternity Nurse Coaching program is one of the most important steps you can take. Your nurse coach can:
- Help you understand your diagnosis and what it means for your pregnancy
- Explain what to watch for and when to call your doctor
- Help you prepare the right questions for specialist appointments
- Coordinate with your care team and keep you informed
- Provide emotional support during what can feel like an overwhelming time
Don't wait — enroll early
You can enroll in Maternity Nurse Coaching at any point in your pregnancy, but earlier is better — especially if you've been identified as high-risk. Enroll at bcbsks.com/health-and-wellness/health-coaching. It's included with your plan at no extra cost.
Helpful links: Doctor & Hospital Finder — find an MFM specialist Enroll in Maternity Nurse Coaching
3. Breast Pump Coverage
How to get your breast pump covered — at no cost to most members.
Under the Affordable Care Act, most health plans — including BCBSKS — are required to cover a breast pump for breastfeeding mothers. For most members, this means you can receive a breast pump at no out-of-pocket cost. Here's what you need to know:
The short version
Most BCBSKS members are eligible to receive a breast pump at no cost through an in-network durable medical equipment (DME) supplier. Coverage typically includes a standard electric double breast pump. Timing matters — most plans cover one pump per pregnancy.
What's Typically Covered
- Standard double electric breast pump
- Replacement parts may be covered depending on your plan
- Hospital-grade pump rentals in some situations (typically requires a prescription)
When Can You Order?
You can typically order your breast pump starting in your third trimester (around 28 weeks). Many suppliers will ship it directly to your home before your due date — so you have it ready when you need it.
How to Order Your Breast Pump
| 1 | Check your specific benefit Log in to your BlueAccess portal and review your contract to confirm your breast pump benefit and any supplier requirements. Some plans require you to use specific in-network DME suppliers. If you have questions, call Customer Service at the number on the back of your insurance card. |
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| 2 | Get a prescription from your OB or midwife Most insurance plans require a prescription for a breast pump — ask your OB at a prenatal appointment. This is a simple, routine request. |
| 3 | Contact an in-network DME supplier Common BCBSKS-covered suppliers include Aeroflow Breastpumps, which specializes in insurance-covered pumps and handles the paperwork for you. Try: Aeroflow Breastpumps — insurance verification tool |
| 4 | Submit your prescription and insurance information The supplier will verify your coverage and bill BCBSKS directly. You typically won't pay anything upfront if you're using an in-network supplier and your plan covers the pump at 100%. |
| 5 | Receive your pump Most orders are processed and shipped within a few business days once coverage is verified. You can also pick up from a local supplier if you prefer. |
Helpful links: Aeroflow Breastpumps insurance portal
4. Maternity Nurse Coaching
Personal support from a registered nurse — available to you at no extra cost.
Pregnancy comes with a lot of questions. Is this symptom normal? What should I eat? What do I need to know about labor?
BCBSKS's Maternity Nurse Coaching program connects you with a registered nurse who specializes in prenatal and postpartum care. This isn't a hotline — it's an ongoing relationship with someone who knows your pregnancy, can answer your questions and helps you feel prepared every step of the way.
Who is this for?
All BCBSKS members who are pregnant. There is no additional cost to enroll. This is a benefit included with your health plan.
What Your Nurse Coach Provides
- Personalized prenatal education — what to expect each trimester
- Guidance on nutrition, activity and warning signs to watch for
- Connection to community resources if needed
- Help preparing for labor and delivery
- Newborn care basics — feeding, sleep, development
- Postpartum support — physical recovery and emotional wellness
- Coordination with your health care provider when needed
How to Enroll
| 1 | Enroll online at bcbsks.com Visit the BCBSKS Health Coaching enrollment page to get started. You can enroll at any point during your pregnancy — the earlier the better. |
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| 2 | Complete a brief intake A nurse will gather some basic information about your pregnancy, due date and health history. This helps them personalize your support. |
| 3 | Get connected with your nurse coach You'll be matched with a registered nurse who will reach out to you proactively throughout your pregnancy. |
| 4 | Stay connected through your pregnancy and after Your nurse coach stays with you through your postpartum period. Postpartum support is just as important — don't hesitate to reach out after your baby arrives. |
What members say
"My nurse coach called me the week I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes. She helped me understand what it meant, what to ask my doctor and how to adjust my diet. I would have been completely lost without that call."
Helpful links: Enroll in Maternity Nurse Coaching
5. Mental Health Coverage During Pregnancy
Your emotional health matters just as much as your physical health.
Pregnancy and the postpartum period can bring a range of emotions — excitement, anxiety, grief, fear and exhaustion. This is normal. And when those feelings become overwhelming, you deserve support.
Your BCBSKS plan covers mental health and behavioral health services the same way it covers physical health. That means therapy, counseling and psychiatric care are covered benefits — not add-ons.
You are not alone
1 in 5 women experience perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) — including prenatal anxiety, depression and postpartum depression. These are medical conditions, not signs of weakness. Your plan covers treatment, and asking for help is the right thing to do.
What Mental Health Benefits Cover
- Individual therapy with a licensed therapist or psychologist
- Couples or family counseling
- Psychiatric evaluation and medication management
- Postpartum depression treatment
- Prenatal anxiety and depression support
How to Access Mental Health Support
| 1 | Find an in-network therapist Use the BCBSKS provider directory to find licensed therapists and counselors in your area who specialize in perinatal mental health. Filter by specialty, location and insurance. |
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| 2 | Talk to your OB Your OB midwife or Maternity provider screens for postpartum depression and anxiety at your prenatal and postpartum visits. Don't wait for it to feel serious before you mention it — your doctor wants to know how you're doing emotionally, not just physically. |
| 3 | Call Customer Service If you need help finding a therapist who is accepting new patients, call Customer Service at the number on the back of your insurance card. They can assist with referrals and availability. |
Crisis resources
If you are in crisis or experiencing thoughts of self-harm, please call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or text "HELLO" to 741741 (Crisis Text Line). These resources are available 24/7 and are free and confidential.
Helpful links: BCBSKS Behavioral Health — find a therapist Postpartum Support International Postpartum Support International Helpline: 800-944-4773
Quick Reference Summary
| Benefit | What to Do First | Where to Start |
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| Maternity Coverage | Verify your OB/Maternity provider and delivery hospital are in-network. Review your Summary of Benefits and Coverage (SBC) in BlueAccess. | Doctor & Hospital Finder in BlueAccess |
| High-Risk Pregnancy | Confirm your maternal-fetal medicine (MFM) specialist is in-network. Enroll in Nurse Coaching early. | Doctor & Hospital Finder in BlueAccess |
| Breast Pump | Check your Summary of Benefits and Coverage (SBC) in BlueAccess. Ask your OB for a prescription around week 28. | BlueAccess SBC or call Customer Service |
| Nurse Coaching | Enroll online — no phone call needed. Available at no extra cost. | https://member.secure.bcbsks.com/blueaccess/guest/disease-and-wellness |
| Mental Health | Find an in-network therapist. Talk to your OB at any prenatal visit. | bcbsks.com/find-a-doctor |
Questions? We're here to help.
Call Customer Service at the number on the back of your insurance card, or log in to BlueAccess.