My payment plan is set up to accommodate families’ needs. All families should have access to health care that they need, regardless of ability to pay. I encourage my clients to investigate their eligibility for Medicaid if they do not/can not carry Health Insurance. I accept the lower fees from this Insurance/Assistance Programs as a way of accommodating Low Income clients. Please let me know if you need information regarding eligibility for these programs, or if at any time your financial status changes and we need to make a new plan. You are expected to keep your medicaid current as my client, as well as establish medicaid for your baby after he or she is born.

A woman receiving care beginning in the first trimester will see me an average of 15 times (Monthly until the 28th week, biweekly until the 36th week, weekly until the 41st week, and every 2 days until week 42) and most families will be seen 5 times postpartum. For a client coming into my care late in her pregnancy, I may require more frequent visits, as a vital component of midwifery care is the close relationship formed between midwife, mothers, and families. There are a variety of reasons in which mothers may need additional visits with midwife, and there is not an extra charge for these, nor is there an extra charge for very long labors. I want you to feel comfortable contacting me at any time you feel you need extra attention or care. For clients living greater than 50 miles away, I may ask for additional travel costs (a nominal fee for fuel). This includes Las Cruces, Socorro, and other communities further from me, as I now reside near Truth or Cosequences, NM.

The CASH (discounted) fee for midwifery care including birth, prenatal, and postpartum care is $2600. The charge to insurances (including HSAs) is $3000 (global fee) and clients are expected to pay their co-pays and deductibles. Medicaid and other state-funded insurances pay around $1500, and clients are NOT responsible for paying any other fees, as stated by law, and because of my personal belief that all women should have access to the birth they want, regardless of ability to pay. I will bill insurance companies for services for your baby as well, and expect you to maintain ther insurance and establish it quickly. Ultrasounds and lab fees are billed separately, and usually are covered by insurances. Your Home Birth Kit (around $60) is a separate purchase, as well as purchase or rental of water birth supplies/tub. Any payments from client are due by the 36th week of pregnancy. Insurances will be billed after completion of care. Please keep your insurance/medicaid coverage current to avoid being charged for unpaid services. 

If a mother requires a transfer from my care during her pregnancy, we will calculate the cost of her care based on the breakdown below, and issue a refund if necessary.

I am available for hospital labor support, and can often resume postpartum care, or offer breastfeeding counseling/support and can discuss my fees for those services if the need arises. 

If a mother requires transport during labor/birth, I will accompany and support her at the hospital, however, no refund will be issued.

Heather Rische, LM, CPM