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Thank you for your support of SB1555,
the Maternity Benefits bill. While the bill passed in both the California
Senate and Assembly, Governor Schwarzenegger has vetoed this bill.
SB1555 would have required all
California health insurance policies to cover maternity services, including
neo-natal care.
What it
Means
Despite this defeat, this or similar
legislation is needed to prevent gender discrimination and market
segmentation in the health insurance industry. I encourage you to write to
Senator Jackie Speier and to the Governor to support future legislation.
Many business
organizations view this veto as a victory, seeing only dollar signs.
Insurers may see it as green light to drop maternity coverage from more
products. We see it as a call to action and education.
History
From Jackie Speier's Web site:
"SB 1555 – Maternity Benefits. Requires health insurers to cover maternity services in all health
insurance products sold in California. Two years ago the Legislature
passed SB 1411 by Speier (effective July 2003) which prohibited health
insurers form charging a higher copayment for maternity services than
for other medical services. As a result, some health insurers dropped
coverage for maternity services altogether in products they sell in
the individual market, in order to sell cheaper products to special
populations. SB 1555 would require insurers to restore that coverage.
Public policy should enable women to get proper medical care
throughout their pregnancy. Such care is essential to the health and
well being of both the mother and the child. Excluding maternity
coverage does not serve this goal and has a disproportionate impact on
women and their families." |
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Our Position |
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Shargel & Co. is
on the opposite side of this issue from many insurance
professionals who oppose mandates "as a rule."
We believe that
maternity services should be available to all women purchasing
health insurance.
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Read the full maternity
services bill:
SB
1555-Speier |
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Status |
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September 22, 2004:
Governor Schwarzenegger has vetoed SB 1555.
Read his letter here.
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Ramifications |
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A young woman with an insurance policy that
does not cover maternity and who develops health problems may
find it impossible to obtain maternity coverage in the future.
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An infant born under a mother’s plan with
maternity services is covered for 30 days after birth
regardless of any health problems or delivery complications.
The infant is also guaranteed new coverage. The costs are
factored into the premiums. |
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An infant born to a mother without maternity
coverage does not have neonatal coverage. If the baby has
health problems or is premature¾more
likely for women without adequate prenatal care, it will be
uninsurable. |
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