How will IF coverage change if we get reform?

[Anonymous]

Nothing in health reform will change mandates for coverage that already exist in states. All they will do is set a floor for coverage (so that the coverage would have to cover maternity care and chemo and things like that). It's an open question whether that basic benefit package would include IVF (although I doubt it) -- but state mandates will not change if they are more generous than the floor set thru health reform.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Coverage for IVF won't be abolished under the current health reform proposals. But you know what will be abolished -- being able to reject a woman applying for health coverage because she's pregant or has had a c-section. That is something all women should be able to support (especially those hoping to become pregnant someday!!!).

Also, if there is no health reform and costs continue to rise, your employer will likely raise your deductible and may cut benefits (such as IVF) so there is no guarantee that your coverage won't change without health care reform. And if your coverage isn't cut, those health insurance costs will come at the expense of wage increases (wage increases you may need to pay for things like daycare).

I really hope for this. I did not realise this when I quit to SAH with DC#1 was terminally ill. Now, I do not have coverage for pregnancy..... and since I am still dealing with medical bills from end of life care for my little boy , I cannot afford to pay for birth out of pocket. I think about a VBAC at home but I had a (somewhat complicated) c-section, so an at home VABC is probably an attempted suicide.

[Anonymous]

I have read every bill and not one would abolish state mandates so your Maryland IF mandate would still be in effect.

[Anonymous]

I work in this field so I can tell you with certainty that if your state has a mandate to provide IF coverage, that will NOT change under any of the legislation under consideration by the House or Senate.

However, if you are in a state without a mandate and some type of health reform is enacted, it is too early to predict what employers will do. Most of my clients (large employers, with 1000+ employees) have indicated that they will definitely drop some plans currently offered if a public option and or excise tax on high cost insurance are enacted. Then there are some clients who said regardless of whatever reform is enacted they will keep whatever plans they have to retain/attract talented workers.

But, for planning purposes, most of the provisions that will impact those of us dealing with IF aren't slated to go into effect until 2014. So, if your employer's coverage covers IF treatments, you still have some time to exhaust those benefits.

[Anonymous]

The public option will destroy private insurance. It's only a matter of time - the government does not "compete" fairly in the marketplace. It is one big mess for all of us if we stuck with the public option.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The public option will destroy private insurance. It's only a matter of time - the government does not "compete" fairly in the marketplace. It is one big mess for all of us if we stuck with the public option.

The public option will not destroy public insurance. See how that works? You can say one thing and I can say another. Both of us are speculating at this point.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Coverage for IVF won't be abolished under the current health reform proposals. But you know what will be abolished -- being able to reject a woman applying for health coverage because she's pregant or has had a c-section. That is something all women should be able to support (especially those hoping to become pregnant someday!!!).

Also, if there is no health reform and costs continue to rise, your employer will likely raise your deductible and may cut benefits (such as IVF) so there is no guarantee that your coverage won't change without health care reform. And if your coverage isn't cut, those health insurance costs will come at the expense of wage increases (wage increases you may need to pay for things like daycare).

I really hope for this. I did not realise this when I quit to SAH with DC#1 was terminally ill. Now, I do not have coverage for pregnancy..... and since I am still dealing with medical bills from end of life care for my little boy , I cannot afford to pay for birth out of pocket. I think about a VBAC at home but I had a (somewhat complicated) c-section, so an at home VABC is probably an attempted suicide.

I am so sorry for what you are going through! I also couldn't get maternity coverage but I did not have all the additional sorrow that you have. Deep symphathy! I think it is outrageous that women can not get materinity coverage (if self-insured) in this country.