How much does it cost to deliver a baby in the U.S.? Just don’t do it in Sacramento.
Castlight Health released a report based on claims data looking at the actual cost of delivering a baby across the country. In other words, it’s how much money actually changed hands, not the inflated charges on the hospital charge masters.
Overall the cost ranged from about $4,000 to $40,000. In Los Angeles alone, the cost ranged from $4,223 for a vaginal delivery to $27,326. A C-section in Cleveland cost $8,772, which was lower than a routine vaginal delivery in 17 of the 30 costliest cities.
Sacramento was the most expensive for a C-section with an average price of $27,067, and it was the most expensive for a vaginal delivery at $15,420. Unfortunately for women in that region, no town nearby was much better. On the other hand, if the C-section is planned, maybe the family could negotiate a flight and hotel to Pittsburgh, where a C-section will only set you back $6,891. Maybe the insurance company could throw in some Steelers tickets. There would be plenty of money left over for some really nice seats.
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