Statement of Stacey D. Stewart, President, March Of Dimes On Health Insurance Coverage For Maternity Care
Washington | Thursday, February 16, 2017
Media Contacts
The March of Dimes released the following
statement from President Stacey D. Stewart regarding a comment made today by
Seema Verma, nominee to serve as Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and
Medicaid Services, during her Senate nomination hearing, that health insurers
should not have to cover maternity care under all plans:
“The March of Dimes is profoundly disappointed in the statement made today by Ms. Verma that maternity coverage should be an optional benefit in health plans. Maternity coverage is not a luxury, and should not be considered an optional benefit. There are many reasons to believe that making maternal care an optional benefit could contribute to maternal mortality, preterm birth and infant mortality.
“Most U.S. women require coverage for pregnancy and maternity care at least once during their lives. Women and their partners should be able to make decisions about starting a family based on what’s right for them, not the restrictions in their insurance coverage. Moreover, about half of all pregnancies in the United States are unplanned, meaning that some women will choose a plan that lacks critical coverage they later find they need.
“Isolating
maternity care into a limited set of optional policies will mean the actuarial
risk is spread over fewer people and the costs may become unaffordable to those
considering pregnancy. As a result,
women who did not select or could not afford plans that cover pregnancy could
be forced to forgo prenatal care and treatment for conditions such as
pregnancy-related high blood pressure or diabetes. Ultimately, this would lead to maternal or
infant deaths, preterm birth and other adverse birth outcomes. Tragic outcomes like these would cost far
more than limiting benefits would save.
“Coverage for maternity and newborn care must be included in all health plans, regardless of whether the individual believes she will need that care during the plan year. Both individuals and those who carry coverage for an entire family deserve the peace of mind of knowing they will have access to the services necessary for a healthy pregnancy and healthy baby under any health plan.”
About March of Dimes
March of Dimes leads the fight for the health of all moms and babies. We support research, lead programs and provide education and advocacy so that every family can have the best possible start. Building on a successful 80-year legacy, we support every pregnant person and every family.
Visit marchofdimes.org or nacersano.org for more information. Visit shareyourstory.org for comfort and support. Find us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram and Twitter.