One For Women brings together a range of health services by offering one continuous, centrally co-ordinated stream of care during pregnancy and after new mothers return home.
Its arrangements with HBF and select private hospitals (Joondalup Health Campus, St John of God Mt Lawley and St John of God Murdoch) aim to limit out-of-pocket expenses for HBF members who hold pregnancy and birth cover (excluding Overseas Visitors Cover), have served relevant waiting periods and meet One For Women's clinical eligibility criteria.
The pilot program will enable expectant mothers who meet the above requirements to receive:
- Two antenatal classes and up to four postnatal classes as part of a ‘fourth trimester’ education and support package with no out-of-pocket costs;
- Bulk-billed standard antenatal consultations with midwives and GP obstetricians; and
- Delivery of their baby in one of the above private hospitals (with the One for Women specialist or GP obstetrician on call at the time of birth) with no or reduced out-of-pocket costs depending on the mother's hospital cover and the individual circumstances.
While the above will assist to contain many out-of-pocket costs that arise in the course of the pregnancy journey, depending on the circumstances, other out-of-pocket costs may still arise such as for certain scans and blood tests.
HBF Chief Executive John Van Der Wielen said costs for maternity care had risen in recent years and this model would make private maternity care more affordable for eligible families.
“This means even greater value for our members – we’ve heard their feedback that large out-of-pocket costs for private delivery are one of the main reasons they would opt to deliver in a public hospital,” he said.
One For Women Medical Director Dr Stuart Prosser said eligible expectant mothers would be able to access different services from diverse providers in one location.
“One For Women will provide a continuous and centrally co-ordinated journey of care, with the patient able to seamlessly access services from a range of experienced health professionals and give birth in a private hospital with all the associated benefits with no or lower out-of-pocket costs,” he said.
One For Women patients receive:
- Access to a private hospital room
- More time in hospital (compared to the public health system)
- Access to optional extras such as a daily newspaper, local phone calls, and free-to-air TV
HBF member Jade Pollock gave birth to her first child, daughter Indiana, at St John of God Mt Lawley Hospital in April.
“I chose One For Women as I strongly believe in their vision – that it takes a village to raise a child is so true,” she said.
HBF member Sarah Viner gave birth to daughter Vivienne Rose last week at Joondalup Health Campus.
“I chose to go through One For Women as it seemed to tick all the boxes for me that I was hoping for on my journey through pregnancy,” she said.
“Cost was not my driving factor but a huge benefit of being on the program.”
HBF members seeking more information should call HBF’s Member Contact Centre on 133 423 or visit www.hbf.com.au/health-insurance/hospital-insurance/one-for-women.
About One For Women
One For Women is a Western Australian maternity service with clinics in Joondalup, Midland, Mount Lawley and Murdoch. It provides care in one location for pregnancy and birth, as well as postnatal and nursing support.
One For Women was established to respond to the growing number of patients who, despite having private health cover for maternity care, were electing to access a public hospital for the delivery of their baby.
The One For Women model is designed to balance great care with affordable costs. Special arrangements are in place with some providers at select private hospitals which aim to limit out-of-pocket expenses for patients.
Media enquiries: Lauren Underhill/Jodi Eastman 0438 925 050 / CorporateAffairs@hbf.com.au
Photo opportunities available