More than 7.1 million people have signed up for 2015 health coverage through Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplaces. The Affordable Care Act helps working women receive piece of mind and access to quality care during times of pregnancy and childbirth, which present unique challenges. Here are the four ways in which the ACA helps working women around the country:
1. The ACA Covers Maternity and Newborn Care:
About 75% of women entering the workforce will experience at least one pregnancy in their career. These women and their children have access to affordable, quality medical care because under the ACA, all marketplace plans must cover maternity and newborn care.
2. The ACA Accommodates Nursing Moms:
Support for pumping at work means moms are more likely to breastfeed their newborns, according to research. And further research has shown that breastfeeding leads to better health outcomes for the child.
3. The ACA Provides Breastfeeding Assistance
Under the ACA, most health insurance plans are required to provide breastfeeding support, equipment and counseling for pregnant and nursing women. Plans also must pay for breast pumps for nursing mothers.
4. The ACA Prohibits Denial of Coverage Based on Pre-Existing Condition:
In the past, women could be charged more for insurance because of their gender and if they were pregnant, which is defined as a pre-existing condition. These “factors” resulted in denial on coverage. That is no longer the case with the Affordable Care Act.
