Assembly Passes Maternity Coverage Legislation That Will Ensure Equity For Women And Their Families When They Buy Individual Healthcare

Main Category: Pregnancy / Obstetrics
Also Included In: Women's Health / Gynecology
Article Date: 09 Jun 2009 - 5:00 PDT

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The California Assembly passed Assembly Bill 98, authored by Assembly member Hector De La Torre with a vote of 49-25. This legislation will create equity for women and their families when they purchase individual health care.

Assembly Bill 98 will require all individual health insurance products (PPO's) regulated under the Department of Insurance to cover maternity services, as it is currently required for health maintenance organization (HMO's) regulated by the Department of Managed Health Care.

"Prenatal care is essential to increase the likelihood of a healthy baby," said De La Torre. "Women have made great strides in advancing equal rights in the workplace, in our courts and at home. Women and their families should not have to struggle for fair treatment in their healthcare."

Maternity care reduces birth complications and costs. The average health care costs, A recent March of Dimes Report issued alarming statistics regarding prenatal care. The report indicated that over 54,000 births statewide were preterm births, while another 14,000 mothers go without prenatal care at all or receive late care.

According to Dr. Phillip Diamond, Vice Chair of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologist, District IX all insurance policies should cover basic reproductive health services as a matter of fairness and equity, as well as a matter of better medical outcomes.

"Expectant mothers who do not obtain early prenatal care have a three times higher chance of delivering a premature baby, putting the child at higher risk of long term health problems, or even death," added Dr. Diamond.

The bill now moves to the Senate.

Background:

Last year, Assemblymember De La Torre introduced a similar bill, Assembly Bill 1962 that was vetoed by Governor Schwarzenegger.

Source
The California State Assembly

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