What You Need to Know About Maternity Coverage
One of the ten essential health benefits that must be covered by all health insurance plans offered is maternity coverage. Health insurance for pregnancy, labor, delivery, and newborn baby care is mandatory under the Affordable Care Act.
There are three types of health insurance options for pregnancy: employer-provided coverage, Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans and Medicaid. Learn more about each of these options here.
All three types of insurance can vary depending on the state you live in, but here are a few helpful questions to remember to ask when deciding which one is best for you.
Questions to ask about Prenatal and Maternity Care Coverage.
What is considered Prenatal Care?
So what is considered prenatal care when it comes to health insurance? Prenatal care consist of prenatal checkups and tests that pertain to the health of mother and baby.
Regular checkups are very important during the pregnancy. Not only do they help keep mommy and baby safe, but can also spot potential health risks. Typically, health checkups occur:
- Once each month – weeks four through 28
- Twice a month – weeks 28 through 36
- Weekly for weeks 36 to birth
High risks pregnancy may need to have more routine checkups.
Prenatal tests will also be covered under prenatal care on your insurance. These tests may include, but are not limited to:
- Your blood type and Rh factor
- Anemia
- Infections and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including hepatitis B, syphilis, chlamydia, and HIV
- Signs that you are immune to rubella (German measles) and chicken pox
Breakdown of Prenatal Tests
We know, that seems like a lot of tests, right? So, when do these tests occur? What do they consist of and what happens if these tests do spot potential risks? Our friends at Baby Center share a breakdown of each prenatal test by trimester, including helpful guides to what each test actually means to the health of you and baby.
Because all tests are necessary, all are covered under prenatal care by your insurance provider.
Things You Might Not Know about Prenatal Care Coverage
It’s always important to speak with your insurance provider even before you begin seeking your doctor or mid-wife, but once you find the doctor that is right for you, talk to both about the coverage of your plan as well. You may be surprised to find that some prenatal care covers after-birth essentials such as breasts pumps and other medical supplies. Prenatal Vitamins (Will link to recent vitamins blog) are another very necessary part of your pregnancy which can also be covered by your insurance provider.
You may also, want to learn about the options of your insurance provider and what they don’t cover as well. Although much less frequent these days, be sure your provider will cover things such as the ultrasound for your baby as well.
Choosing your insurance provider and prenatal care can be a bit overwhelming upon learning you’re expecting. Always feel free to seek support before making your decision.
If you’re looking for an OBGYN in the Cincinnati area or seeking further guidance on prenatal vitamins and other prenatal nutrition, call us at 513-241-4774, or schedule your appointment.