Affordable Prenatal Care Matters — Especially Early in Pregnancy
Finding out you are pregnant can bring excitement, joy, and hope. However, for many families, it also brings anxiety about healthcare costs. Questions start quickly:
- “How much will this cost?”
- “What if I don’t have insurance?”
- “What if my deductible is extremely high?”
- “Will my health share plan cover this?”
- “Where do I even start?”
Unfortunately, many women delay prenatal care because they are worried about cost, confused about insurance, or unsure where to go. Yet early prenatal care is one of the most important steps in supporting a healthy pregnancy for both mother and baby.
At Aslan Health, we believe affordable access to prenatal care matters.
Why Early Prenatal Care Is Important
Prenatal care is not just about checking on the baby. Early visits help identify health concerns before they become bigger problems later in pregnancy.
Prenatal care can help:
- Monitor the health of both mother and baby
- Identify high blood pressure or diabetes early
- Address nutrition and lifestyle concerns
- Review medications and supplements safely
- Answer questions about pregnancy and delivery
- Connect families with additional resources and support
Even a simple early visit can provide reassurance, guidance, and a plan moving forward.
A Growing Challenge for Working Families
Many families today fall into a difficult middle ground. They may:
- Have no insurance
- Have very high deductibles
- Use healthcare sharing ministries
- Be self-employed
- Earn too much to qualify for assistance but still struggle with healthcare costs
As healthcare costs continue to rise, some families avoid care simply because they are afraid of receiving large bills they cannot afford.
We see this especially among working families and the ALICE population — households that are Asset Limited, Income Constrained, and Employed.
Prenatal Care Does Not Need to Start at a Large System
One common misconception is that prenatal care must begin inside a hospital system immediately. In reality, many women simply need a trusted place to start.
At Aslan Health, we can help patients begin prenatal care locally with:
- Prenatal visits
- Basic monitoring and evaluation
- Lab coordination
- Education and guidance
- Referral coordination for delivery services
- Postpartum follow-up when appropriate
While Aslan Health does not deliver babies, we can help families establish care early and prepare for the next steps in pregnancy.
Transparent and Affordable Care
Many families are looking for something simple:
- Clear pricing
- Personal relationships
- Time to ask questions
- Less administrative complexity
- Care close to home
Our goal is to reduce barriers to care so patients can focus on their health instead of avoiding appointments because of financial uncertainty.
If You Qualify for MA-Pregnant, You Should Use It
Minnesota offers Medical Assistance (MA) coverage for many pregnant women, including some who may not normally qualify for assistance outside of pregnancy. In many cases, MA-Pregnant can provide comprehensive coverage for prenatal care, delivery, and postpartum care.
If you think you may qualify, we strongly encourage you to apply.
Many families are surprised to learn:
- Pregnancy has higher income limits for eligibility
- Coverage may begin retroactively in some situations
- Coverage can continue after delivery
- Your baby may also qualify for coverage
Even families with jobs or moderate income levels may qualify during pregnancy.
If you do not qualify for MA-Pregnant, you may still have other options available, including:
- MinnesotaCare
- Coverage through MNsure
- Advanced premium tax credits that may reduce monthly insurance costs
Even if you are pregnant and uninsured, you cannot be denied health insurance coverage because of pregnancy.
You can learn more or apply through the Minnesota Department of Human Services Pregnancy Coverage Page and MNsure.
Spanish-Speaking Care Available
For many Spanish-speaking families, language barriers and healthcare system complexity can make pregnancy even more stressful. Aslan Health offers Spanish-speaking care and works to create a welcoming environment where patients feel comfortable asking questions and seeking care early.
Start Early
If you think you may be pregnant or are planning for pregnancy, starting prenatal care early matters. You do not need to have everything figured out before taking the first step.
At Aslan Health, we are committed to caring for our neighbors by helping families access affordable, compassionate healthcare close to home.
Call us at 320-297-6800 to learn more or schedule a visit.