The cost of having a baby varies wildly across the US, but also within major cities, new research has revealed.
It shows Sacremento is the most expensive city – out of 30 major metropolitan areas – to give birth, both via vaginal delivery and cesarean section.
In second place for both types of delivery is San Francisco, while Portland comes in third place for C-section delivery, while Minneapolis takes that spot for the cost of vaginal delivery.
Furthermore, the data, compiled by Castlight Health, reveals wide discrepancies in the cost of childbirth within cities.
A new analysis by Castlight Health reveals Sacremento is the most expensive city – out of 30 metropolitan areas in the US – to give birth via vaginal delivery, costing $15,420. In second place is San Francisco ($15,204), while Minneapolis takes the third slot ($11,527)
The Costliest Babies and Costliest Cities report provides insight into what employers or employees actually pay for medical care.
As with many common healthcare procedures, the cost of having a routine vaginal or cesarean delivery not only varies from city to city across the US, but also varies within cities.
Most notably, the researchers found:
- In New York City, the cost for a routine vaginal delivery ranged from $4,022 to $17,646, a four time price difference.
- In San Francisco, the cost for a cesarean delivery ranged from $8,399 to $41,191, a nearly five time price difference.
- In Los Angeles, the cost for a routine vaginal delivery ranged from $4,223 to $27,326, a six time price difference; and for a routine cesarean delivery, the cost ranged from: $6,232 to $42,530, a nearly seven time price difference.
-
E-cigarettes ‘ARE a gateway to smoking for young people -…
Diabetes revolution: Artificial pancreas could spell the end…
Teenager’s ‘appendicitis’ is found to be infestation of…
Prospective fathers listen up! Smoking ‘damages your sperm,…
Most fertility apps ‘aren’t based on solid science’ and…
Are we drinking ourselves to death? More than a MILLION…
The West coast was found to be the most costly when it came to having a baby.
Cities on the Pacific coast hold three of the top five slots for costliest routine vaginal deliveries, and four of the top five slots for the most expensive C-section.
Notably, Sacremento and San Francisco are numbers one and two, respectively, in both rankings.
Researchers also noted that nationally, average prices also vary greatly for the same kind of maternity care.
A routine vaginal delivery in the costliest city, Sacramento ($15,420) is roughly two-and-a-half times more expensive than one in the cheapest city, Kansas City ($6,075).
A cesarean delivery in the costliest city, Sacramento ($27,067) is nearly four times more expensive than one in Pittsburgh ($6,891).
The cost of a routine vaginal delivery in 17 of the 30 costliest cities was higher than the national average of $8,775.
When it comes to cesarean delivery Sacremento is also the most expensive of the 30 cities, costing $27,067 and San Francisco also takes second most expensive slot ($21,799). Meanwhile, Portland takes the third spot ($18,066)
The price differential is so great, that a cesarean delivery in Cleveland ($8,772) is less expensive than a routine vaginal delivery in 17 of the 30 costliest cities.
Kristin Torres Mowat, of Castlight Health, said: ‘The birth of a child is such a special time.
‘The fact that these huge price differences exists for maternity care is deplorable.
‘The price variances seen in both routine and cesarean deliveries reflect the larger systemic problems in our nations’ healthcare system.
‘Our Costliest Babies analysis sheds light on research that is vital to helping employers and their employees understand their benefits and get the highest quality care.’
In arriving at their findings, the researchers used medical claims data.
Furthermore, prices are defined as the employee cost-sharing plus the amount paid by the employer.
Pregnancy prices depend on the method of delivery (vaginal or cesarean). Here are the procedures and services included, regardless of the delivery method:
- Included: Prenatal office visits, required ultrasounds, delivery, hospital stay, one visit after delivery
- Not included: Tests, elective ultrasounds, imaging, medicine, anesthesia