The ACA: Increasing Access to Maternity Coverage

The ACA: Increasing Access to Maternity Coverage Posted January 9, 2015 By Judy Sarasohn, Public Affairs, Department of Health and Human Services Rachel Farmer of North Carolina and her husband, who run a surf school, had individual health insurance policies that didn’t cover much. They wanted to expand their family, but worried that they wouldn’t be able to afford it. Adding maternity coverage would have boosted the cost of Rachel’s policy by more than $600 a month, making health insurance impossible for them to afford. For many new and expecting moms across the country, there is never a shortage of things to worry about, and the health and security of their families is usually top of that list. In 2012 the average hospital bill for the more than 3 million women who delivered babies without complications amounted to more than $23,000. Without good health coverage, millions like Rachel were left wondering how they could afford to welcome a newborn to their families. Rachel and her husband now have a baby girl, Mae, who is beautiful and healthy. They had checked out their options in the Health Insurance Marketplace and selected a plan with maternity coverage in 2014. When they re-enrolled for 2015 coverage, they found a quality plan that covers all of them for $4.14 a month after tax credits. All plans available through the Marketplace must cover a package of essential health benefits, which include maternity and newborn care. Thanks to the new law, Mom, Dad, and Mae can get the checkups, screenings, vaccinations, and the other health care they need. Read More: The ACA: Increasing Access to Maternity Coverage You are subscribed to HHS.gov/HealthCare Blog Updates from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page. Learn more about the Affordable Care Act. Enroll in coverage at HealthCare.gov. -- Preferences | Unsubscribe | Contact HHS