Maternity Coverage

Maternity coverage is now a right! As of 2014’s Affordable Care Act, every insurance plan that’s offered to individuals, families, and small groups must have maternity coverage. This is essential because pregnancy, labor, delivery, and newborn baby care are fundamental to the health of both mother and child—and can be prohibitively expensive. Thanks to the passing of the Affordable Care Act, women who become pregnant have a right to prenatal screenings, and lower labor and delivery costs are best for growing families.

The transition to coverage has been rocky for many people. Lacking the appropriate insurance plan was difficult, but the transition has been confusing for many. There are also many who are disappointed at what the mandate does not cover. For example, maternity coverage doesn’t cover fertility treatments for women who are having difficulty conceiving. It also doesn’t always cover every test that an expecting woman would desire for her child and herself.

It’s important to note that pregnancy doesn’t count as a preexisting condition. Even if you become pregnant before your insurance takes effect, your pregnancy and related childbirth expenses will be covered.