Bringing a child into the world is one of life’s greatest joys. Yet, for many families rising maternity care costs in the United States create significant financial challenges. Expectant parents often ask: How can I afford pregnancy and childbirth without breaking the bank? The average cost of childbirth can be daunting, but there are solutions to ease the burden.
A 2022 study by the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) reveals that women who give birth face nearly $19,000 in additional health care expenses over three years. Cesarean deliveries are associated with more than $26,000 in childbirth costs, while vaginal births average over $14,700. These figures include monthly premiums, which according to KFF’s Employer Health Benefits Survey, averaged nearly $2,000 a month for family coverage in 2023.
Out-of-pocket maximums add to the financial burden. These limits vary by insurance plan but often reach or exceed $8,000 for family plans [Link]. Along with restrictive provider networks and surprise medical bills, these costs drive many families to seek alternatives to traditional health insurance for maternity care.
Managing Maternity Costs in Today’s System
Many families choose high-deductible health plans (HDHPs) to lower monthly premiums. However, these plans require a minimum annual deductible of $3,300 for family coverage and a maximum out-of-pocket limit of $16,600 in 2025, according to the IRS. These expenses can strain budgets, especially when combined with pregnancy and childbirth costs.
Government programs like Medicaid cover over 40% of U.S. births, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). Eligibility for Medicaid is limited to low-income families, typically those earning less than 138% of the federal poverty level. Medicaid often restricts provider options, which can be a challenge for families who want personalized care or home birth alternatives.
As a result, health sharing programs have grown in popularity. These nonprofit, community-based models allow members to contribute monthly to help share each other’s eligible medical expenses. While some programs offer limited support, such as low maternity caps or long waiting periods, others provide more flexible, family centered solutions.
Zion HealthShare’s Community-Driven Maternity Program
Zion HealthShare gives expectant parents a better way to manage the high average cost of childbirth and pregnancy. Instead of facing complicated insurance plans and expensive monthly premiums, members contribute to a nonprofit community that shares major medical expenses, including maternity needs.
With Zion HealthShare, you won’t be limited to a narrow network of providers. Whether you’re planning a hospital delivery, a birth center experience, or a home birth, you have the freedom to choose the care that fits your family best during childbirth. After a one-time maternity-specific Initial Unshareable Amount (IUA) is met, many maternity-related costs may be eligible for sharing.
What’s Eligible for Sharing Through Zion HealthShare’s Maternity Guidelines?
Once members meet the maternity specific IUA, a broad range of pregnancy and childbirth related expenses may be eligible for sharing. Here’s a closer look at the types of costs the Zion HealthShare community supports:
- Prenatal care and routine screenings: This includes essential prenatal visits with your healthcare provider, ultrasounds, lab tests, and other routine monitoring that help ensure a healthy pregnancy.
- Labor and delivery: Whether you choose a hospital birth, a birthing center, or a home birth, Zion HealthShare members have the freedom to select the birth setting that fits their needs. Eligible expenses include the costs associated with labor, delivery, and immediate postpartum care, helping ease the financial impact of welcoming your new baby.
- Complications and specialist care: Pregnancy doesn’t always go as planned. When unexpected complications arise, such as gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, or the need for specialized medical attention, related expenses may also be shared.
- Newborn care: Your baby’s initial healthcare needs shortly after birth, such as screenings, doctor visits, and treatments, may be shared as well. To be eligible, newborns must be added to the membership within 30 days of birth.
All sharing requests must be submitted in accordance with Zion HealthShare’s member guidelines and within specified timeframes to maintain eligibility. For a full list of eligible maternity expenses and detailed requirements, please visit the Member Guidelines.
How Zion HealthShare Compares to Other Maternity Options
When families evaluate their options, Zion HealthShare stands out for its affordability, transparency, and simplicity. Here’s how it compares:
| Feature | Zion HealthShare | Traditional Insurance | Other Health Sharing Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Cost | Member contribution (starting at $112 per month) | $2,000/month average for family plans | Varies widely by organization |
| Out-of-Pocket Responsibility | $2,500 or $5,000 maternity IUA | Up to $8,000+ deductible plus coinsurance | May cap sharing at $5,000 or less for maternity |
| Home Births / Midwives | Eligible up to $7,000 | Rarely supported | Sometimes excluded or limited |
| Support for Complications | Complications tend to be eligible | Typically included but costly | Often excluded or unclear |
| Waiting Period | 6 months (some exemptions apply) | Coverage starts immediately | May have 12+ month wait for maternity |
| Transparency | Clear, accessible member guidelines | Plan documents often complex | Guidelines vary, not always public |
| Network Restrictions | None. Choose any provider | Yes, limited to in-network providers | May have limitations or require preapproval |
Start Your Maternity Journey with Zion HealthShare
Welcoming a child should be a joyful milestone, not a financial obstacle. Zion HealthShare is committed to supporting growing families through a model that prioritizes clarity, compassion, and community. Our maternity program empowers parents to choose the care that best fits their needs, whether that is at home, in a birthing center, or in a hospital. Explore how our health sharing community can support your family:
- Learn more about our maternity sharing guidelines
- View monthly contribution options at zionhealthshare.org/memberships/
- Connect with our team at https://zionhealthshare.org/contact-us/
Zion HealthShare offers a better way to approach maternity care with confidence and peace of mind. Let Zion HealthShare help you focus on the joy of your growing family, not the bills.
The content in this blog is meant to be informative in nature, but it shouldn’t be taken as medical advice. The content should not take the place of medical advice or supervision from a trained professional. The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not guarantee specific outcomes. All maternity sharing requests are subject to the Member Guidelines. Please refer to the member guidelines or consult with a Zion HealthShare representative for specific details.
Current as of: December 17, 2025