What does an epidural cost without insurance?

What is the most cost-effective way to have a baby for people without insurance?

• Is it better to get individual insurance even though you have to keep paying it for 12 months before maternity benefits are covered? Or forget the insurance and pay everything yourself? Are there any hospitals that will give you an upfront price for a full package of services? Is it possible to purchase insurance that would cover complications only? Are there any organizations that can help us with all these questions? We are not poor so we don't qualify for Medicaid, which is mentioned on many websites, we are also not rich so we have a real concern about going bankrupt because of a baby. Thanks

• Answer:

  You could hire a midwife an deliver at home, it's much cheaper. Other options would be don't get any pain medication in the hospital, epidurals can cost up to $2,000. I would buy insurance though, what if something goes wrong and your baby has to be in the NICU for months? That would cost a ton of money! It's better to be safe and spend the money on the insurance.