As we wait for the Senate’s version of health care reform, I wanted to explain the 10 <a href=”https://www.healthcare.gov/blog/10-health-care-benefits-covered-in-the-health-insurance-marketplace/” target=_blank”>essential health care benefitsmandated by Obamacare.
- outpatient care
- trips to the emergency room
- treatment in the hospital
- care before and after your baby is born
- mental health and substance abuse services
- prescription drugs
- services and devices to help you recover if you are injured, or have a disability or chronic condition
- lab tests
- preventive services including counseling, screenings, care to manage a chronic condition, and vaccines
- pediatric services including dental care
If pediatric services are not part of basic health insurance in your state, families with children will pay more for insurance than families without children. Some states may elect to mandate regular pediatric care. But things like dental and vision coverage may cost more.
In states that do not require insurers to cover services related to pregnancy and child birth, women desiring to be mothers would pay more for insurance than would men wishing to become fathers. Couples hoping to have children would pay more for insurance than couples who do not want kids. Lastly, what happens if a woman unexpectedly gets pregnant and has not purchased services related to pregnancy and child birth?