Bringing new life into the world is an exciting and deeply personal journey. At ShareWELL, we’re here to support you every step of the way, ensuring your maternity experience is empowered, informed, and well-supported. If you’re a ShareWELL member with an eligible maternity sharing request, here’s what you need to know about what’s included, what’s not, and the essential steps to ensure your care is shared effectively.
Step One: Confirming Eligibility
Maternity sharing with ShareWELL begins with verifying your eligibility. To qualify, your pregnancy must be confirmed to have begun at least 30 days after your membership start date. Once you suspect or confirm a pregnancy, please submit clinical notes from your first appointment as soon as possible. These notes help us verify your eligibility and begin coordinating your Sharing Request.
Step Two: Present as a Self-Pay Patient
As a ShareWELL member, you are free to see the providers of your choice, with no networks and freedom to choose. When you go to your care provider, you’ll present as a self-pay patient. This allows you to take advantage of self-pay pricing, and it also enables ShareWELL to facilitate sharing effectively.
You will request a global maternity package from your provider. A global package typically includes:
- Prenatal visits
- Routine lab work
- Delivery (vaginal or cesarean)
- Postpartum follow-up visit(s)
It’s important to note that global packages vary, and not all services are always included. For instance, ultrasounds beyond the standard two, additional labs, high-risk pregnancy care, and anesthesia may fall outside the package. That’s why it’s essential to communicate with both your provider and ShareWELL to clarify what’s included and what’s not.
Step Three: Stay in Communication
We’ll be reaching out via email to confirm your care details and assist in coordinating the next steps. Please reply to these messages promptly and send us any bills that are outside your global package. Early and ongoing communication helps ensure timely sharing and reduces the likelihood of surprises or delays.
Also, as soon as you know where you plan to deliver, let us know. Some facilities offer self-pay discounts or programs that can reduce your personal Unshared Amount (UA). We can help you explore those options and guide you through any applications that may help lower your costs.
Broad Maternity Support and Holistic Care Options
One of the unique benefits of being a ShareWELL member is access to a wide range of eligible expenses related to prenatal and postnatal care. This includes traditional medical services, but also holistic care that supports your well-being throughout pregnancy.
Eligible expenses may include:
- Chiropractic care
- Acupuncture
- Doula services
- Midwifery
- Nutritional support
- Pelvic floor therapy
ShareWELL was designed to give mothers the freedom to choose the care that aligns with their values and preferences. Whether you’re seeing a midwife, using a birthing center, or working with a doula, you can use eligible sharing toward these services if they are part of your maternity care plan.
Simplifying the Process with Self-Pay and Prepayment
Whenever possible, we recommend arranging prepayment with providers. Prepaying as a self-pay patient can often lead to reduced rates and helps streamline the sharing process. Our team is here to assist you in making these arrangements and ensuring you’re never navigating this alone.
Your Maternity Coordinator: A Dedicated Advocate
From the moment your maternity sharing request is approved, you’ll be paired with a ShareWELL maternity coordinato
r. This person is your go-to resource throughout the pregnancy journey. Whether you have billing questions, need help finding a provider, or want guidance on managing care logistics, your coordinator is here for you, every step of the way.
After Baby Arrives: Continued Support
The support doesn’t end at delivery. After your baby is born, your maternity coordinator will help you access an additional ShareWELL benefit: six months of diaper delivery, at no extra cost to you. You’ll have a variety of diaper brands to choose from, making those early months a little easier.
Welcoming a new baby is a life-changing experience, and ShareWELL is here to support you with clarity, compassion, and the resources you need. By understanding your sharing benefits and working closely with your coordinator, you can focus more on preparing for baby, and less on paperwork or billing.
If you’re expecting, make sure to submit your clinical notes early, communicate regularly, and explore all the care options available to you. We’re honored to be part of this chapter in your life.