Is pregnancy covered under Affordable Care Act?

Both of you can benefit under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Under the law, all individual and small employer insurance plans, including those you get through the Marketplace, must cover maternity and newborn care — before and after your baby is born.

How is pregnancy treated under the Affordable Care Act?

Under the ACA, it is illegal for virtually any insurer to deny a woman insurance because of her pregnancy status. As soon as a woman is enrolled, benefits for prenatal care, delivery and childbirth become covered benefits.

Is pregnancy considered a pre-existing condition 2022?

Under the ACA, all Marketplace plans must cover pre-existing conditions you had before coverage started. According to Healthcare.gov, pregnancy is not considered a pre-existing condition. So if you were pregnant at the time that you applied for new health coverage: You can’t be denied coverage due to your pregnancy.

Why is pregnancy a pre-existing condition?

If this happens, pregnancy is called a pre-existing condition. This means you had the condition (you were pregnant) before you sign up for health insurance. Under health care law after the ACA,, insurance companies can’t deny you coverage or charge you more money to care for pre-existing conditions.

Is having a baby a life changing event?

A change in your situation — like getting married, having a baby, or losing health coverage — that can make you eligible for a Special Enrollment Period, allowing you to enroll in health insurance outside the yearly Open Enrollment Period. There are 4 basic types of qualifying life events.

Can I add my wife to my insurance after she gives birth?

Yes. Having a baby is one of the special circumstances that allow you to add dependents to your health plan even outside of the regular open season. You have 30 days from the date of your child’s birth to notify your employer and request that your spouse and your baby be enrolled in your coverage.

What is maternity coverage?

Maternity coverage is one of the 10 essential health benefits that must be covered by all health insurance plans offered to individuals, families, and small groups. Health insurance for pregnancy, labor, delivery, and newborn baby care became mandatory in 2014 under the Affordable Care Act.