| A woman naturally gets excited when she finds | | | | check to see if maternity is covered. This |
| out that she is pregnant. In many cases, this | | | | may be costly but well worth it. Some states |
| happiness is soon diminished when the | | | | have plans for pregnant women like Medi-cal |
| financial burden of having a child is | | | | in California. Federally sponsored programs |
| realized. Thirteen percent of American women | | | | like Medicaid also exist, but they are |
| who become pregnant have no maternity | | | | mostly for low-income groups. Another option |
| insurance coverage. They face the risk of | | | | is MaternityCard. It is designed to provide |
| inadequate pre-natal care and must find their | | | | help to pregnant women and is well accepted. |
| own resources for funding the cost. If the | | | | This covers a wide spectrum of maternity |
| pregnancy is complicated, this adds to the | | | | medical needs and less expensive than regular |
| burden. | | | | insurance. Ideally, maternity coverage |
| | | | begins immediately. There are some women that |
| Even those with insurance may find to their | | | | naturally get excited when they finds out |
| dismay that maternity is not covered. A | | | | that they are pregnant. In many cases, this |
| costly add-on premium may be required. Some | | | | happiness is soon diminished when the |
| insurers do not offer maternity coverage or | | | | financial burden of having a child is |
| consider it a pre-existing health condition. | | | | realized. Thirteen percent of American women |
| This is illegal by Federal law, and there are | | | | who become pregnant have no maternity |
| several loopholes. There are many group | | | | insurance coverage. They face the risk of |
| insurance plans that do provide maternity | | | | inadequate pre-natal care and must find their |
| coverage as a service to members. There may | | | | own resources for funding the cost. If the |
| be a waiting period of three months to one | | | | pregnancy is complicated, this adds to the |
| year before the clause becomes effective. | | | | burden. There are some plans that have a |
| What happens if one becomes pregnant during | | | | 30-day waiting period. Always study the |
| the waiting period? If you are carrying COBRA | | | | package that is offered before accepting it. |
| (extended coverage from a previous employer), | | | | |