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Maternity Benefit – included on all ACA plansBefore the ACA, most employer-sponsored health plans included maternity coverage, but the majority of individual market plans did not.45 While the ACA greatly increased the number of plans covering maternity care – by requiring all individual and small group plans to cover maternity care as an EHB – gaps in maternity coverage still persist. Women covered under grandfathered and transitional health plans, as a dependent on a parent’s employer-sponsored plan, or on self-funded student health plans still may not have maternity coverage. Maternity coverage is an essential benefit available on all ACA Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois plans except for grandfathered plans such as the BlueEdge HSA plans. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois provides a superior maternity benefit for individuals and families. If you’re an Illinois resident who needs maternity coverage, but you’re not covered under an employer-sponsored plan, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois is about as good as it gets. Pregnancy ComplicationsBlue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois health insurance plans for individuals and families automatically include benefits for complications of pregnancy. This is a standard plan provision. The optional maternity coverage benefit applies only to routine pregnancy expenses. A healthy pregnancy is just the beginningWe're dedicated to supporting healthy pregnancies, from early prenatal care in your first trimester all the way through childbirth and the months that follow. Download the guide
Prenatal CareAn average pregnancy lasts 40 weeks, with the weeks grouped into three trimesters. The first trimester occurs during the first three months of your pregnancy. During this time, your body undergoes many changes. Prenatal visits will allow you to follow the progress of your baby’s development and give you an opportunity to talk to your doctor about any pregnancy concerns. It's your chance to ask questions, discuss your medical history, weight, diet and lifestyle—and help you prepare for childbirth and life with a new baby. As soon as you think you might be pregnant, and in the first three months of pregnancy, you should visit your healthcare provider. During your prenatal visits, you will:
Healthy PregnancyTips to help ensure the health of both you and your baby.
Consider prenatal vitaminsThese provide important vitamins and minerals including folic acid, iron and calcium. Folic acid helps prevent neural tube birth defects, which affect the baby’s brain and spinal cord.
Eat rightProper nutrition during pregnancy helps your baby grow and develop. Experts recommend 6-11 servings of bread and grains, 2-4 servings of fruit, 4+ servings of vegetables, 4 servings of dairy and 3 servings of protein.
Cut caffeineIf you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant, you should have no more than 200 mg of caffeine a day, or the amount of one 12-ounce cup.
Stop smokingSmoking during pregnancy can put yourself and your unborn baby at risk for serious health problems, including premature birth, certain birth defects and infant death.
Visit your dentistDuring pregnancy, rising hormone levels can irritate gums, causing tenderness, swelling and bleeding. Brush and floss daily and see your dentist regularly.
Stay activeWhether you find relaxation in prenatal yoga or prefer to break a sweat with your workout, talk to your doctor about safe ways to stay active while you’re pregnant. Maternity CoverageFor members of the Service Benefit Plan, all prenatal and postpartum care is covered in full when you visit a Preferred professional provider. What you pay for facility care is based on the plan you're enrolled in.
*when billed by a Preferred Professional Provider
Your mental health is just as important as your physical healthWe also provide benefits to cover up to four visits per year in full to treat depression associated with pregnancy (including depression during pregnancy, postpartum depression or both) when you use a Preferred provider. Helpful ResourcesThese programs and resources can help you and your baby stay healthy every step of the way. Office of Women's HealthThis section of womenshealth.gov will help expectant mothers learn what to do before, during, and after pregnancy to give your baby a healthy start to life. Take their quiz to test your knowledge on pregnancy health. USDA ChooseMyPlate Daily Food PlansCreate a personalized daily food plan that shows the foods and amounts that are right for you at your stage of pregnancy or when breastfeeding.
The American Congress of Obstetricians and GynecologistsACOG is the nation's leading group of physicians providing health care for women. Visit their site for fact sheets on pregnancy, labor, delivery and postpartum care. March of DimesThe mission of the March of Dimes is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. The non-profit organization helps moms have full-term pregnancies and healthy babies by researching and working to prevent the problems that threaten babies. Get support and earn rewards throughout your pregnancyThe Pregnancy Care Incentive Program offers expectant mothers support and rewards during each stage of pregnancy. You could be eligible* to earn a free Pregnancy Care Box packed with items you can use during and after pregnancy—and $75 in wellness rewards. *You must be 18 or older on a Standard or Basic Option plan to earn this reward. Find Out More Learn more about pregnancy from BlueNewsExplore other health conditions |