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What You Need to Know About Maternity Coverage
Maternity coverage is one of the 10 essential health benefits that must be covered by all health insurance plans offered to individuals, families, and small groups. Health insurance for pregnancy, labor, delivery, and newborn baby care became mandatory in 2014 under the Affordable Care Act.
What has changed about maternity coverage?
Before 2014, maternity coverage wasn't a guaranteed benefit, and only about 12% of plans sold in the individual market included this coverage, according to ObamaCareFacts.com. Maternity coverage was offered only by some health insurance plans or had to be added as a special rider to a plan. Furthermore, pregnancy was considered a pre-existing condition, meaning maternity coverage was either unavailable to women who were already pregnant when they enrolled, or would cost more.
This marks the first time in US history that women have had guaranteed access to maternity coverage, and is a clear advantage for women who are or may become pregnant.
Covered services for expecting mothers and babies
Maternity services covered by health plans include:
- Outpatient services, such as prenatal and postnatal doctor visits, gestational diabetes screenings, lab studies, medications, etc.
- Inpatient services, such as hospitalization, physician fees, etc.
- Newborn baby care
- Lactation counseling and breast pump rental
When to enroll in a health plan to cover your maternity
You can always enroll in or change to a different health plan during the Open Enrollment Period, which starts on November 15 every year for coverage starting in the next calendar year.
Be aware that becoming pregnant is not a qualifying life event that makes you eligible to enroll in or change your health plan at any other time of year. However, the birth of your baby is a qualifying life event; the birth triggers a 60-day special enrollment period during which you, your spouse, and your children can enroll in and/or change health plans.
Getting affordable maternity health coverage
Since maternity coverage is now a mandatory benefit, you can choose any one of the many health insurance plans we offer. To see what plans are available in your state, get a free personalized quote by entering your zip code above.
When you see the plans available in your area, select the health insurance plans that seem to fit your needs and budget best, then compare benefits or see plan details.
When you're ready, you can see if you qualify for a government subsidy to help pay for your insurance, and you can also apply for your chosen health plan, all right online.
