FINAL EHB Rules Released

[AllenChicago]

Quote from Insurers warn of overhaul-induced sticker shock: Associated Press Business News - MSN Money shared by PCBInsurance to the forum today, regarding the mandatory MATERNITY Essential Health Benefit...

"Vikki Swanson, 49, of Newport Beach, Calif., resents that the added benefit may lead to higher costs for her. "I had a hysterectomy, I have no need for maternity coverage, but I have to now pay for it," she said."

With an Individual Policy, maternity adds at least $180 @ month here in Illinois, regardless of what deductible the policy has.

For males and females in their 30's, this means that the mandatory maternity EHB ALONE will double the premium!

QUESTION: Has anyone seen anything in the EHB rule that allows men and women who aren't able to reproduce to OPT OUT of the expensive maternity benefit? Also, to what age is the maternity EHB a required benefit.. to age 65 for both men and women?
-ac

 

[Ann H]

QUESTION: Has anyone seen anything in the EHB rule that allows men and women who aren't able to reproduce to OPT OUT of the expensive maternity benefit? Also, to what age is the maternity EHB a required benefit.. to age 65 for both men and women?
-ac

It will work like group insurance works now. Maternity will be covered, and there is no opting out. However, the premium attributable to that benefit will decline as the member ages, and will be virtually $0 at age 45+.

 

[AllenChicago]

It will work like group insurance works now. Maternity will be covered, and there is no opting out. However, the premium attributable to that benefit will decline as the member ages, and will be virtually $0 at age 45+.

That's good for the guy/gal age 45 and over. A bummer for the sterile (voluntary or involuntary)35 year olds. Thanks Ann for the VALUABLE feedback!
Allen