Can You Be a Surrogate on Medicaid?

You usually can’t be a surrogate while on Medicaid. Most surrogacy agencies — including American Surrogacy — require private insurance that covers pregnancy-related care. But that doesn’t mean this path is off the table.

With the right guidance, you can transition to a qualifying plan and move forward with confidence — helping a hopeful family experience parenthood while improving your own family’s financial future.

Schedule a consultation today to learn how you can still become a surrogate, even if you’re currently on Medicaid.

We’ll explain why Medicaid typically disqualifies you, what insurance options are available, how to make the switch, and how American Surrogacy can support you every step of the way.

In most cases, no—you can’t be a surrogate on Medicaid getting Medicaid coverage. Nearly every surrogacy agency, including us, requires surrogates to have private health insurance that covers pregnancy and childbirth.

Here’s the deal: Medicaid has income limits. When you get paid as a surrogate (we’re talking $65,000 or more), that money usually pushes you over Medicaid’s income threshold.

If you stay on Medicaid while getting paid, you could face serious problems, more on that in a second.

Plus, Medicaid wasn’t designed to cover surrogacy pregnancies.

You’re carrying someone else’s baby, and Medicaid sees that as outside what they’re supposed to pay for. Using Medicaid for a surrogacy pregnancy breaks program rules and creates legal and financial risks for you and the intended parents.

Why Medicaid Usually Disqualifies Surrogates

Most surrogacy agencies won’t work with surrogates on Medicaid for three big reasons:

Your income changes everything

Medicaid eligibility depends on how much money your household makes. When you earn surrogate compensation, your income will likely jump above Medicaid limits.

That means you’d lose coverage halfway through your pregnancy, leaving you stuck without insurance when you need it most.

Insurance fraud is a real risk

If you keep getting Medicaid benefits while earning money that makes you ineligible, you could get accused of not reporting your income.

The consequences are serious—you might have to pay back benefits and face legal trouble.

Medicaid doesn’t cover surrogacy

Federal Medicaid rules don’t allow coverage for pregnancies where you’re carrying a baby for someone else.

Even if your income technically keeps you eligible, using Medicaid for surrogacy breaks the rules and puts everyone at risk.

Do I Need Insurance to Become a Surrogate?

No, you don’t need insurance before you apply.

If you already have coverage through work, your spouse, or somewhere else, we will look at your plan and figure out what it covers for surrogacy.

If your current insurance doesn’t fully cover a surrogate pregnancy, or specifically excludes surrogacy, we’ll work with the intended parents to fill those gaps.

Usually, intended parents buy extra insurance or set up complete coverage to make sure you’re protected.

Here’s how it works

Once you match with intended parents, they pay for any pregnancy-related medical costs your insurance doesn’t cover.

That includes deductibles, co-pays, and any special care you need. You won’t pay anything out of pocket for surrogacy healthcare.

Sometimes intended parents buy a separate surrogacy insurance policy just for you. These plans cover everything about a surrogate pregnancy, giving you full protection from start to finish.

What If You’re Currently on Medicaid?

If you’re on Medicaid now and want to become a surrogate, you’ll need to switch to private insurance first.

It might sound like a roadblock, but American Surrogacy helps women through this transition all the time. Your main options:

Work insurance. If you or your spouse have a job that offers health benefits, you can sign up during open enrollment or after a life event. Many employer plans cover pregnancy, making them perfect for surrogacy.
Marketplace plans. You can buy private insurance through healthcare.gov. These plans are available during open enrollment or after qualifying life events. Some are affordable and cover everything you need for maternity care.
Insurance paid by intended parents. Sometimes intended parents will buy a private policy for you to make sure you have the right coverage. This removes the financial barrier completely.

American Surrogacy works with you to figure out which path fits your situation. We’ll explain timelines, costs, and what’s covered so you can make the switch confidently.

Once you have qualifying insurance, you can start the screening and matching process.

Can My Kids Receive Medicaid if I’m a Surrogate?

Probably not once you start getting surrogate pay.

Medicaid looks at your entire household income, and the money you earn as a surrogate counts toward that—which could determine whether or not your kids can receive Medicaid if you’re a surrogate .

But your children won’t go without healthcare. Here’s how you can keep them covered:

Family plans through work often cover dependents at a reasonable price. If you or your spouse have employer insurance, you can add your kids to that plan.
CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program) gives low-cost coverage to kids whose families make too much for Medicaid but still need affordable options. CHIP eligibility varies by state and might work depending on your total household income.
Private insurance through the Marketplace lets you buy family coverage that includes your children. Based on your income and family size, you might qualify for help that lowers your monthly payments.

American Surrogacy gets how important your whole family’s healthcare is. We’ll help you look at coverage options for your kids and connect you with resources to make everything easier.

Reach out, and we’ll guide you through getting coverage for everyone.

Transitioning from Medicaid: How to Become a Surrogate with Confidence

Switching from Medicaid to private insurance might feel overwhelming, but you’re not doing this alone. American Surrogacy helps women in your exact situation every single day.

Whether you’re looking at work plans, considering Marketplace options, or need help with intended parent-paid insurance, we’re here for each step.

Schedule a consultation today—because somewhere out there, a family is waiting, and your surrogacy journey begins with just one conversation.

We’ll explain enrollment timelines, what needs to be covered, and how to protect your family’s healthcare during your surrogacy journey.