I’m Canadian. And I’m already sorry for asking an ignorant question.

I know you have to pay for hospital visits in the states. I know lower economic status can come with lower access to birth control and sex education. But then, how do they afford to give birth? Do people ever avoid hospital visits because they don’t feel like they can’t afford it?

Do hospitals put people on a payment plan? Is it possible to give birth and not pay if you don’t have the means? How does it work in the states?

How does it all work?

Again. Canadian. And sorry.

  • BarrelAgedBoredom@lemm.ee
    213·
    1 year ago

    As a poor Florida resident who grew up and has known several people giving birth in poverty; if you’re lucky you qualify for WIC (women, infants, and children) which is essentially food stamps/ welfare for pregnant women and mothers. That covers food. If you qualify for WIC then you’re also eligible for Medicaid which is the US’ version of free* healthcare for people in poverty. That will cover pre and post natal care for the mother and baby. The baby is usually covered until they’re ~6. Unless you’re still poor by then, in which case it usually covers the child to adulthood or until their parents no longer qualify for Medicaid. Note that none of this covers diapers, clothes, or other necessities for the infant. Just food and drs visits. If you’re poor, but on the [benefits cliff](https://www.ncsl.org/human-services/introduction-to-benefits-cliffs-and-public-assistance-programs#:~:text=Benefits cliffs (the “cliff effect,a small increase in earnings.) you can get fucked lol. Murica