NATCHEZ REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER OFFERS OPTION FOR UNINSURED OBSTETRICAL CARE Tough Economic Climate Should Not Hinder Healthcare In light of the difficult economic conditions and day-to-day struggles of many of our citizens, Natchez Regional Medical Center is proud to be able to offer special pricing for obstetrical services offered at the hospital for those who are uninsured. “Statistics show that uninsured women are more likely to postpone care than their insured counterparts, and we at Natchez Regional want to do our part to ensure that expectant mothers are getting the proper medical care and attention for themselves and their babies,” said Scott Phillips, CEO of the hospital. With this in mind, the hospital has created a special pricing package for the uninsured mother. Often times, families find themselves in a situation of making too much income to qualify for government assisted health programs, yet they are still at or above the federal poverty level. According to Phillips, “The uninsured mother whose income is less than 300% of the federal poverty level will be able to have her baby delivered at Natchez Regional for an all inclusive fee of $1,200 per day. If the mother has family income above 300% of the federal poverty level, the fee will increase to $1,500 per day.” This fee includes the anesthesia services, as well as the care of the newborn child. The only fees that will remain separate are those of the physicians involved with the care of the mother and child. For more information on this special pricing, or to find out if you meet the qualifications, please contact our Business Office at 601-443-2120. Theresa Cole, Nurse Practice Leader of The Women’s Center at Natchez Regional Medical Center, is thrilled to offer this special pricing for women who fall into the specified categories. “It is very important that women begin the process of prenatal care as soon as they discover they are pregnant,” said Cole. “A woman should not have to allow financial concerns and lack of insurance to interfere with the health of her unborn child. It is our hope that knowing upfront what the fees will be and working out a payment system with us that women will begin their prenatal care immediately and form a bond with our staff and hospital from the beginning,” added Cole. According to Cole, the hospital will also be offering childbirth classes beginning in January to help new mothers and fathers become comfortable with the birthing process, as well as provide education and guidance to help make the pregnancy and birthing experience very positive. To find out more information about the classes offered and the available dates, please call 601-443-2657.