Unitedhealthcare Pregnancy Resources And Free Offers For Expecting Mothers

UnitedHealthcare provides a comprehensive range of resources and support for expectant mothers throughout their pregnancy journey and postpartum period. The company offers various programs including educational materials, community support, rewards for attending medical appointments, and connections to free medical equipment through insurance coverage. These resources are designed to support maternal health outcomes by providing accessible information and encouraging timely prenatal and postpartum care.

UnitedHealthcare's Maternity Support Programs

UnitedHealthcare has developed maternity support programs designed to assist members throughout their pregnancy journey and after giving birth. These programs provide information and resources to help mothers understand what to expect during each stage of pregnancy and postpartum recovery. The support is structured to work for all mothers regardless of their individual pregnancy journey or circumstances.

For UnitedHealthcare members, maternity support includes access to various member tools and resources covering: - Information about what to expect during pregnancy - Guidance on staying healthy before, during, and after pregnancy - Strategies for managing health through pregnancy and the postpartum period

The program is available to both individual and employer members through their member accounts. Resources include video courses that break down what to expect during each trimester, along with practical tips on nutrition, exercise, breastfeeding, and postpartum care.

Free Pregnancy Educational Resources

UnitedHealthcare has launched a national maternal health education campaign in both English and Spanish to address the growing maternal health crisis in the United States. The campaign aims to improve early patient engagement by increasing awareness of pregnancy signs and encouraging prenatal and postpartum care. The program addresses the challenges many women face during pregnancy, including substance use issues, housing instability, limited access to education, and language barriers.

The educational campaign focuses on several key messages: - Encouraging women to call their doctor as soon as they suspect pregnancy - Promoting early prenatal care and postpartum checkups - Emphasizing whole-person care that addresses both physical and mental health - Connecting women with support if they don't have a doctor

The campaign directs participants to EveryPregnancy.com, a comprehensive resource website featuring: - Information about the pregnancy timeline - Lists of questions to ask healthcare providers - Mental health resources - Self-care guides - Knowledge-building quizzes - A prenatal appointment checklist to help expecting families navigate their pregnancy journey

Community Plan Member Benefits

UnitedHealthcare Community Plan members have access to additional resources through the Wellhop for Mom & Baby program. In participating states, Community Plan members can join this program which includes online group video conversations with other expectant mothers held every other week. This peer support component aims to create community among expectant mothers and provide additional emotional support during pregnancy.

Community Plan members can also earn rewards for attending prenatal, postpartum, and children's wellness appointments. To learn about eligibility for these rewards, members can visit uhchealthyfirststeps.com or call 1-800-599-5985, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. local time.

Healthcare providers working with UnitedHealthcare Community Plan members can use the Care Conductor pregnancy notification tool in the UnitedHealthcare Provider Portal to notify the plan of a member's pregnancy. Providers complete and submit an Obstetrical Risk Assessment Form (OBRAF), after which UnitedHealthcare's team reviews the information and connects expectant members with appropriate maternity support programs and resources. Providers may be eligible to earn incentives for accurate and timely submission of the OBRAF.

Free Baby Boxes and Product Samples

Expecting mothers can access various free baby boxes and product samples from multiple sources. While not directly provided by UnitedHealthcare, these resources complement the healthcare company's support programs:

• Babylist offers a free Hello Baby Box valued at $300 when members create a baby registry. The box contains full-size baby products including diapers, wipes, baby clothes, bottles, pacifiers, plus samples and coupons.

• Amazon provides a free baby box valued at $35 when customers create an Amazon baby registry. The box typically includes items such as baby blankets, full-size packages of wipes, baby bottles, and various samples.

• Other retailers offering baby boxes include Walmart, Noobie, Target, and the Baby Box Company.

• PINCHme provides free sample access to members who join their platform, with new samples available each month.

• Bella B offers a free sampler for expecting mothers.

• Some free baby boxes may require a small shipping fee, though the contents themselves are complimentary.

Free Medical Equipment Through Insurance

UnitedHealthcare members may be eligible to receive free medical equipment through their insurance coverage:

• Free breast pumps are available through Aeroflow, which works with insurance companies to handle the necessary paperwork. Top-of-the-line breast pumps from brands like Medela, Lansinoh, Ameda, Evenflo, SpeCtra, Elvie, and Motif may be covered.

• Maternity support bands can help relieve pressure and discomfort during pregnancy. Insurance may cover the cost of maternity bands along with other pregnancy products like compression socks and postpartum girdles.

• Pregnancy compression socks are designed specifically for pregnant women to promote blood circulation, reduce swelling, and help prevent varicose veins. These may be approved through insurance coverage with assistance from companies like Aeroflow.

• Postpartum recovery garments may also be available through insurance coverage.

How to Access UnitedHealthcare Pregnancy Resources

To access UnitedHealthcare's pregnancy resources:

1. For individual and employer members:

   • Sign in to the UnitedHealthcare member account
   • Access maternity video courses and educational resources
   • View information about what to expect during each trimester
   • Find tips on nutrition, exercise, breastfeeding, and postpartum care

2. For Community Plan members:

   • Visit uhchealthyfirststeps.com
   • Call 1-800-599-5985, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. local time
   • Learn about eligibility for the Wellhop for Mom & Baby program
   • Inquire about rewards for attending prenatal, postpartum, and children's wellness appointments

3. For healthcare providers:

   • Use the Care Conductor tool in the UnitedHealthcare Provider Portal
   • Complete and submit the Obstetrical Risk Assessment Form (OBRAF)
   • Access patient- and practice-specific information 24/7 in the portal

4. For free baby boxes and samples:

   • Create registries with Babylist, Amazon, Walmart, Noobie, Target, or Baby Box Company
   • Join PINCHme for monthly sample access
   • Request specific samplers like the Bella B sampler

5. For free medical equipment:

   • Contact Aeroflow for assistance with breast pump, compression socks, and other medical equipment claims
   • Verify coverage with UnitedHealthcare before ordering

Importance of Prenatal and Postpartum Care

UnitedHealthcare's resources and support programs emphasize the critical importance of prenatal and postpartum care. The maternal health crisis in the United States has seen maternal mortality rates nearly double, from 17.4 in 2018 to 32.9 per 100,000 live births in 2021, with higher risks among Medicaid-eligible populations. Additionally, nearly 1 in 4 women don't begin prenatal care in the first trimester, and 40% of new mothers skip their postpartum checkup.

Timely prenatal care helps identify and manage potential complications, supports healthy fetal development, and provides education about pregnancy and childbirth. Postpartum care is equally important, helping monitor recovery from childbirth, address any complications, and support the transition to parenthood. UnitedHealthcare's resources aim to make accessing this care easier by providing education about when and how to seek care, addressing barriers to care, and connecting members with appropriate support services.

Conclusion

UnitedHealthcare offers comprehensive resources for expectant mothers through its maternity support programs, educational campaigns, and community initiatives. Members can access educational materials through their accounts, Community Plan members may participate in the Wellhop program and earn rewards for attending appointments, and healthcare providers can utilize tools to identify and support pregnant members. Additionally, expecting mothers can access various free baby boxes and samples from multiple retailers and may be eligible for free medical equipment through their insurance coverage.

These resources address the critical need for improved maternal health outcomes by providing education, support, and incentives for timely prenatal and postpartum care. By making information more accessible and encouraging early engagement with healthcare providers, UnitedHealthcare aims to improve the health and well-being of mothers and their babies throughout the pregnancy journey and beyond.

Sources

1. UnitedHealthcare Maternity Support
2. UnitedHealthcare Maternal Health Awareness Campaign
3. UnitedHealthcare Pregnancy Resources
4. Freebies for New and Expecting Moms
5. UnitedHealthcare Provider Maternity Support