Having a baby? MESSA is here for you

MESSA provides support from pregnancy through parenting

If you’re thinking about having a baby or you’re already expecting, you’re preparing for an exciting and life-changing experience. We want you to know that MESSA is here with you every step of the way.

MESSA health plans ensure that you’ll have the best care as you prepare for your new addition, as well as after your little one arrives.

All MESSA health plans cover routine prenatal and postnatal visits at no cost when you go to an in-network provider. If you have a MESSA ABC or MESSA Balance+ plan, prenatal vitamins are included in the list of free preventive prescriptions.

Adding a new dependent to your health plan

It’s important to add new dependents to your health plan within a specified timeframe to ensure they are covered. Contact your employer for instructions on adding new dependents. Here is some helpful guidance:

• Newborn: You must add your new baby to your MESSA health plan within 30 days of birth.
• Adoption: Your adopted child may be enrolled prior to the final adoption date. When adding a child that is in the process of being adopted, you may be required to provide either a court order stating that the child has been placed in the home for adoption or a legally binding contract between the adoptive parents and the adoption agency. You must provide the final adoption papers once the process is complete.
• Legal guardianship: A child becomes an eligible dependent on the date you’re appointed guardian by a probate court judge.

Support for breastfeeding

Breastfeeding and working fulltime can be a tough juggling act. We want to help our members reach their breastfeeding goals, so MESSA provides coverage for lactation consultations and breast pumps. Get all the details at messa.org/OhBaby.

Ovia Health apps

MESSA also offers Ovia Health’s trio of apps at no cost to our members.

The Ovia Parenting app provides coaching with lactation consultants, as well as helpful articles about breastfeeding, including this tasty recipe that supports lactation.

The Ovia Pregnancy app provides support from Ovia’s nurse coaches throughout your pregnancy. You can connect via chat with Ovia’s health team, and peruse articles that support you along the way. You can also follow your growing baby’s progress from week to week.

Learn more at messa.org/Ovia.