Pregnancy Could Cost 425% More Under GOP Health Plan

Insurance premiums for pregnant women could go up considerably per the new GOP health bill, intended to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act.

Under the new GOP health bill, the American Health Care Act, pre-existing conditions—pregnancy included—will not be protected. As a result, pregnancy could become up to 425 percent more expensive under President Donald Trump's health plan, per estimates from the Center for American Progress.

“Under the GOP bill, there would be nothing stopping insurers from charging more if a person has a history of cancer, depression, or even a C-section...or if that individual is pregnant,” reports the Huffington Post.

This lack of protection for people with pre-existing conditions could result in insurance premiums increasing more than $17,000 for a woman with an uncomplicated pregnancy, estimates the CAP. But these estimates are just addressing relatively healthy, uncomplicated pregnancies. With unforeseen issues during pregnancy and delivery, the costs could become even higher.

In an op-ed for syracuse.com, Dr. Leah Kaufman, a legislative chair for District II of the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, wrote, "I am alarmed at Congress's latest health care repeal bill. It is a disaster for women, especially those who have been pregnant or want to be pregnant."

She continued, "Today, all health plans must cover maternity care." But under this bill that would change. "Approximately 13 million women stand to lose maternity coverage under this bill. Like a decade ago, insurers would also be allowed to not cover Cesarean sections at all or charge women a 25-percent premium surcharge for this coverage."