question on Obamacare...

beany02

After I had DD (she is 7 months) I quit my job to be a SAHM and bought private health insurance. There is a 24 month waiting period for maternity coverage, so we have to wait to TTC our next baby until July 2014. But i know that effective January 2014, all insurance companies must include maternity coverage (not sure if they are allowed to have a waiting period or not anymore). so i called my insurance company today to see if that would effect when my maternity coverage goes into effect (January 2014 vs July 2014). They couldnt give me an answer and said they would call me back. Any of you more knowledgable on this than me? What do you think?

freezorburn

I bought private health insurance in 2011 shortly after learning I was pregnant. My previous insurance was in Canada so a lot of companies I talked to initially told me they might consider that a gap. But they all agreed that there was no waiting period for pre-natal care, in compliance with the Affordable Care Act. I don't know if that is different from the maternity coverage you are talking about. 

gwennec

I work for a large health insurance company and yes maternity coverage must be offered in Individual health insurance plans in 2014. Some are beginning to offer next year. 2014 plans go into effect on Jan 1st 2014, so maternity coverage must be covered by that effective date.

Your insurance company reps probably don't know, b/c many of them are not familar with the regulations of healthcare reform.

Here is more info:

https://www.healthcare.gov/news/factsheets/2011/08/pregnant-women.html