Existing law does not require insurers to cover maternity services

(Sacramento, CA ) – In a victory for women's rights, proposed legislation that would require insurance plans under the Department of Insurance to provide coverage for vital maternity services today passed the Senate with bipartisan support. Assembly Bill 210 is authored by Assemblymember Roger Hernández (D – San Gabriel Valley) in response to birth complications in California resulting from a lack of proper maternity care.

Over 963,000 Californians are enrolled in insurance plans that do not provide coverage for maternity services. A study conducted in 2004 and published in the Journal of Perinatal and Neonatal Nursing shows that having adequate prenatal care minimizes the prevalence and severity of premature and low-birth weight in newborn infants. Currently, insurers in individual service markets exclude maternity services with their most basic plan.

"Women and expectant mothers will finally have the relief to know that their maternity services will be covered," said Assemblymember Hernández. "AB 210 would ensure fair and affordable access to quality maternity care for women, regardless of their socio-economic status."

Preterm birth is the leading cause of newborn deaths in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2008, 10.5 percent of all child births in California were preterm births. California also has the highest number of all babies born with low-birth weight – nearly 37,600 babies of over 347,200 in California are born with a low birth weight. Low-income communities of color are especially impacted by the lack of maternity care. Infants born to low-income women of color suffer disproportionately from low birth weight, making it a significant pregnancy related health disparity.

# # #

Assemblymember Hernández proudly serves the cities of Azusa, Baldwin Park, City of Industry, Covina, Irwindale, La Puente, West Covina and the unincorporated communities of: Avocado Heights, Bassett, Charter Oak, Citrus, East Arcadia, Hacienda Heights, North Wittier, Ramona, Valinda and Vincent.

Contact: Yong Eo, (916) 319-2057 (o), (650) 235-5200 (c)