YOU ASK:
How will the new health care bill affect access to maternity benefits?
WE ANSWER:
Prior to the new health care bill, pregnancy (as well as all related maternity) benefits are excluded since this is counted as a pre-existing condition. Thus, the health insurance products in the past don't offer maternity benefits, except for employer-sponsored plans.
The new health care bill will improve these conditions by offering the following:
- Pregnancy no longer a pre-existing condition. The good news is that with the new health care bill (which will fully kick in on the year 2014), pregnancy and other illnesses that are counted as pre-existing conditions will not be used as a basis during the insurance company's underwriting process.
- Maternity benefits part of the new plans. The new health care exchange that will be set up as stipulated in the bill will provide maternity benefits as part of the standard health insurance plan. Also, when the new health care bill is fully implemented, all new plans, whether under group insurance or sold in the individual market, will offer a standard list of maternity benefits. That way, those who become pregnant may still enjoy health insurance coverage during and after the pregnancy.
- Having a caesarean section no longer considered a pre-existing condition. Compared to the past insurance plans that deny coverage to those who have undergone caesarean section, the new plans under the health care reform bill will allow these individuals to be covered.
- Access to maternity-related service providers. Another added benefit will be increased access to midwives and OB-GYNs. This is done by fixing how midwives who are paid under Medicare.
- Benefits for lactating mothers. Nursing mothers will also get to enjoy reasonable break times and appropriate areas for them to express breast milk, up until the baby reaches the age of 1.
Was this insurance question and its answer useful?
| Not a bit | Very useful |
Have an Insurance Question? Ask For Insurance
More questions about health insurance:
- Will the new health care bill allow us to keep our COBRA plan?
- I have a pre-existing condition. Will I be able to get health insurance under the new health reform law?
- I am self-employed? How will the new health care reforms affect me?
- Will the reform law give me freedom on which health plan to choose?
- I heard that my family will enjoy savings of around $2,500 under the new health care reform law. How will this happen?
- Will I be forced to change plans under the new health care reform law?
- If I buy from the individual market, will the healthcare reform provide me with consumer protections? If so, what are these consumer protections?
- Will the deductibles and co-payments increase under the new healthcare plan?
- If I buy insurance on my own, will the cost be higher than in the past?
- Will I be allowed to buy insurance from another state?
- How will the health insurance reform help lower the cost of insurance?
- I am covered with Medicare, will my benefits be reduced under the new plan?
- How will the reforms affect the coverage I have for my children?
- After the healthcare reform will I still get to choose the doctor who will treat me?
- Will the health care reform provide me with coverage to see a psychiatrist or a therapist?
- Will all the changes in the health care reform result in an increase in my health care premiums?
- How will the health care reform law affect health savings accounts (HSA)?
- Won’t the benefits in the health care reform result in higher taxes?
- When will the health insurance reform bill be effective?
- Is medical malpractice affected by the health insurance reform bill?