Pregnant Women and the Affordable Care Act

What to expect when you're expecting? Starting in September, 2010, you can expect that you won't be denied health coverage for your baby, or any child up to age 19, even if your baby is born with a health problem or your child has a chronic health condition. The Affordable Care Act prohibits insurers from denying coverage to children because of pre-existing conditions. Your insurer may no longer cancel your insurance because you or your children become ill or have an accident, as long you've paid your premiums and filled out your application honestly. You can also expect full coverage for preventive services, screenings, and immunizations for you and your baby if you are in a new health plan. Beginning in 2014, pre-natal and newborn care will be covered in all new individual and small employer plans, and in all plans competing in the new marketplaces called Exchanges. Vision and dental care for children will also be covered. In the past, some insurers have denied coverage to pregnant women because they considered pregnancy a pre-existing condition. In 2014, all employer-provided health plans and new individual plans will have to provide coverage without regard to pre-existing conditions or disability. Pregnancy won't keep you from getting health insurance or force you to pay higher rates for it. Insurers won't be able to charge higher rates because you are pregnant or because you are female. If you're happy with the insurance you have now, you don't need to make any changes. But the Affordable Care Act offers you additional peace of mind and some new healthcare options. Find the information you need to make smart health coverage choices for you or your baby on this website.

NOTE: The transcript for this program may have been compiled from uncorrected Closed Captioning.