Greg Scandlen, a health policy expert at The Heartland Institute, says most insurers don’t offer non-group maternity coverage because of cost—those who purchase the policies are almost guaranteed to use them—and this is a problem no government mandate can solve.
“Maternity coverage is typically optional, as is prescription coverage,” Scandlen said. “So-called ‘complications of pregnancy’ are covered as regular medical services. Usually one can buy a maternity rider, but it isn’t a great deal—it amounts to dollar swapping since the only people to buy it are those planning on having a baby.”
He also suggests costs have grown because of the increased frequency of C-Sections, which have in turn been encouraged by available maternity coverage. “C-Sections are much more expensive and unnecessary in most cases. People opt for them because they are convenient—a woman can schedule her childbirth to suit her calendar,” Scandlen said. “People who are paying their maternity costs directly are less likely to pay extra for the convenience.”
Scandlen maintains expectant parents should simply ensure any complications are covered under their policy, and be prepared to pay the costs for childbirth.
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