How Do You Get Health Insurance When Pregnant?
• Discuss health insurance coverage with your current employer. If you are not employed, ask your spouse or domestic partner to inquire with his employer about whether the company offers a health plan that will cover your pregnancy. • The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) protects pregnancy from being considered a preexisting condition, as long as the employer offers a group plan with maternity coverage. You may have to wait a certain amount of time for new benefits to kick in, but as long as you are an eligible employee or dependent, you cannot be denied coverage for your pregnancy. • Look for a new job that offers a health plan with maternity coverage. If your current employer does not have an adequate health plan, or you are unemployed, you can switch jobs and join your new employer’s group health plan without your pregnancy being considered a preexisting condition. • You are not required to disclose your pregnancy to potential employers. Under the federal
