Pregnancy benefits may be different in group and individual health plans.
If you have an individual health plan:
Your benefits will vary based on your coverage options. Please make sure to read your Evidence of Coverage prior to receiving pregnancy and delivery related services.
If you have a group health plan, through your job:
Your group health plan must cover care for your pregnancy and delivery, whether you are pregnant when you join the plan or become pregnant after you join it.
Choosing an Obstetrician and Hospital
An obstetrician is a doctor who specializes in pregnancy and delivery.
- Women have the option to choose an obstetrician as their primary care physician.
- You can see an obstetrician in your health plan's network without a referral.
- When you choose an obstetrician, ask which network hospital you will go to for the birth.
- The law protects your right to continuity of care during your pregnancy. This means that if your doctor leaves your health plan after you are 6 months pregnant, you can usually see the same doctor until after the birth. Check with your health plan.
- Ask your doctor or health plan about classes on childbirth, breastfeeding, nutrition, and exercise during pregnancy.
- By law, health plans must cover at least 2 days in the hospital after a vaginal delivery and 4 days after a delivery by C-section.
Make Sure to Enroll Your Baby in Your Health Plan
There are time limits on when you can enroll your baby in your health plan. If you have a baby or adopt a child, ask your health plan or your employer right away about when to add your new baby or child to your health plan.
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