If you live in West Covina and are pregnant without insurance or with low income, you may worry about the "delivery costs being thousands of dollars. What should I do?"

Fortunately, California has a well-established public assistance program for low-income pregnant women and newborns.

If you qualify, you can significantly reduce or receive free prenatal care, delivery, and postpartum care.

The first thing to check is Medi-Cal. This is California's public health insurance, and for pregnant women, the income criteria are often more lenient than for regular adults.

If approved, you can receive coverage for regular prenatal check-ups, blood tests and ultrasounds, delivery, hospitalization, postpartum care, and most newborn care.

If you are a resident of West Covina, you can apply for Medi-Cal through the LA County Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) or check your eligibility through Covered California.

Many hospitals and community health centers also offer assistance with the application process.

You can receive prenatal care at federally qualified health centers (FQHC) like East Valley Community Health Center or AltaMed.

Even without insurance, many places operate a sliding fee scale based on income, and you can also receive guidance on the Medi-Cal application process.

Deliveries take place at hospitals affiliated with your obstetrician. In West Covina, many people use the Emanate Health Queen of the Valley Medical Center, but depending on your insurance network, you may deliver at other hospitals. Emergency C-sections or situations requiring a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) can also be covered by insurance.

Once the baby is born, most newborns will also be reviewed for Medi-Cal eligibility. After that, vaccinations, well-child check-ups, and pediatric care may also be covered. Additionally, if you qualify for the WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) program, you can receive food assistance for pregnant women and infants, including milk, eggs, cheese, cereal, fruits, and vegetables.

It is not advisable for economically challenged families to postpone childbirth or skip prenatal care. Starting care early in pregnancy allows for better health management for both the mother and baby, and you can receive necessary public assistance much sooner.

One thing to remember is that eligibility for assistance can vary based on income, family size, immigration status, and residency requirements. Additionally, programs can change, so it is best to check the latest criteria with the LA County Department of Public Social Services, Covered California, or the hospital's financial counseling department before applying.

Healthcare costs in the U.S. can be high, but there are more public assistance programs available for pregnancy and childbirth than you might think. In West Covina, if you meet the qualifications, you can significantly reduce your financial burden from prenatal care to delivery, postpartum care, and newborn care, so it is recommended to seek advice from hospitals or community clinics rather than worrying alone.