The first study of its kind has found that families typically pay much more out of pocket for maternity care under the new high-deductible health insurance plans paired with health savings accounts that have been heavily touted by President Bush and others.
The cost difference compared to traditional employer-based health insurance is especially stark, in most cases, for women who have complicated pregnancies, according to the study released yesterday by Georgetown University and the Kaiser Family Foundation.
The study found that those enrolled in a traditional health plan for federal employees (with a $500 annual deductible and $20 co-payments for office visits) would likely pay $1,455 out of pocket for care during an uncomplicated pregnancy and delivery. That compared to $3,000 for families in a high-deductible plan for federal employees and $7,000 for a high-deductible plan offered through small businesses.
Thursday, June 14, 2007
High-Deductible Plans Cost More For Maternity Care
Study Compares Out-of-Pocket Expense
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I'm the webmaster for www.healthinsuranceinfo.net, Georgetown University's Health Policy Institute project that is run by Karen Pollitz, who is a co-author of the study you cite.
The website has tons of free documents online that offer help to people who are worried about paying for health care, hospital visits, etc., when they feel like they've run out of options. Each state has different plans and requirements about affordability for people who have to buy their own health insurance.
So, please pass the word along, it's a site packed with information! Karen Pollitz is a great consumer advocate with a lot of knowledge about the health insurance laws and a passion for helping consumers get the most from their insurance.
Thanks.
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