Expecting a baby is an exciting time in your life. But with all your questions and concerns, it can be overwhelming. Whether you're pregnant or planning a family, you can do things now to make your journey less stressful.
Choose a Provider
As soon as you find out you're pregnant, find an in-network obstetrician-gynecologist you trust if you don't already have one. Prenatal care is essential for ensuring you and your baby start and stay healthy during your pregnancy.
When choosing a doctor, some things to consider are:
- how close the office is to your home or workplace
- office hours
- what hospitals the doctor uses
You'll spend a lot of time with your OB-GYN, so make sure they're a good fit for your personality, preferences, needs and values. Make sure your provider and hospital are in network, so you don't get any unexpected out-of-pocket costs.
If you need help finding a provider, use TRS-ActiveCare Provider Finder® to search by location, gender and specialty. Also, Personal Health Guides can help you find an in-network provider 24/7. Call 1-866-355-5999 or chat through the BCBSTX App.
They can help you:
- find a pediatrician or other health care provider
- locate breastfeeding support or other parenting groups
- get help with behavioral health questions or postpartum depression concerns
- check your benefits and coverage
- get support from maternity specialists
Get an Idea of What You’ll Pay for Prenatal Care and Delivery
You have maternity coverage with your health plan. Check your TRS-ActiveCare Benefits Booklet for details about your specific plan and any deductible you must meet before your health plan starts to pay for covered services.
You'll get a bill for maternity care that is normally provided in uncomplicated maternity cases. This is called global billing.
Global billing includes:
- antepartum care - care before childbirth
- delivery
- postpartum care - care after childbirth
Global billing won't include all your care. Make sure you know what is covered and what isn't, so you won't have any surprise costs.
You'll also be responsible for any hospital bills that you or your baby incur during your hospital stay. Your plan allows for a minimum number of days in the hospital. If you need a longer stay, you or your provider must get an extension for the additional days by submitting an optional recommended clinical review from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas.
High-Risk Pregnancy
If your pregnancy is considered high risk, you can get extra support over the phone from a BCBSTX maternity specialist. A maternity specialist will contact you after the first trimester if your pregnancy is high risk.
Other Added Value
Your health plan also covers other programs and services:
- electric breast pumps – see your plan's benefits booklet for specific details
- hospital-grade breast pumps are covered up to $150
- lactation counseling services — six visits per plan year covered at 100%
- family planning services — includes contraception options
Enroll Your Baby for Coverage
If you're the mother on a TRS health plan, your newborn is covered for the first 31 days. Let your district Benefits Administrator know if you're going to add your baby to your plan or if your baby will have other coverage.
Resources for TRS-ActiveCare and TRS-Care Standard
Your health plan has tools and resources to help you before, during and after your pregnancy – at no extra cost.
Ovia HealthTM
Ovia Health apps can support you with health trackers, videos, tips, coaching, and more.
Ovia — Health, Fertility and Menopause Support. Track your health status and know when you're most likely to become pregnant or receive support as you transition into menopause.
Ovia Pregnancy — Pregnancy and Postpartum. Support a happy and healthy pregnancy, where you can look up food and medication safety, connect with a registered nurse, watch the baby grow week by week, and plan a return to work.
Ovia Parenting — Family and Working Parents. Support for the early years of parenting, including tracking the baby's growth and milestones.
To get started with Ovia Health:
- Download the app that's right for you.
- Select I have Ovia Health as a benefit during signup.
- Skip the step where it asks you to enter your employer's name.
- Select Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas as your health plan.
- Explore Ovia Health!
Already have an Ovia Health app on your phone?
- Open the more menu.
- Tap My healthcare info.
- Enter your health plan (required).
- Enter your employer (optional).
You can also download the Ovia app at Apple App Store, Ovia App at Google Play Store or visit Ovia Health to start.
Well onTarget®
Well onTarget® has self-management programs that take you from pre-pregnancy through post-pregnancy. For each program you complete, you'll earn Blue Pointssm to redeem for gift cards.
24/7 Nurseline
If you have a question or concern in the middle of the night or on the weekend, call the 24/7 Nurseline at 1-833-968-1770. Registered nurses can give you advice, help you decide if you need to go to the emergency room or if you can wait to see your OB-GYN.