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Ask the Expert: Finding Balance Natalie Gahrmann is a success coach and owner of N-R-G Coaching Associates, a private coaching company that specializes in helping working parents achieve mastery of work and life. Her clients experience more clarity, direction and alignment while reducing stress in their busy lives.
Pregnant and Job ChangeS. writes, "I just found out I am pregnant. I was already seeking new employment but now I feel an even greater need. My current job has changed from what I was hired to do to the point where I do not enjoy it all, and I commute and hour to and from work so it is no longer worth the travel. I cannot work from home and my schedule is not at all flexible. (No part-time or flexible hours.) My question is, what are insurance rights when changing jobs while pregnant. I am currently insured with my employer but I don't know how things will change if I do find a new job. Could you please let me know some of the laws and regulations? "Answer: Many of the laws and company policies surrounding maternity rights and benefits can be confusing. Your concerns about health insurance are justifiable during this crucial time in your life. You need to make sure you are covered for delivery and postnatal care. When a mid-term pregnancy is involved, however, it may be difficult or impossible to find affordable insurance. Even with opportunities for continuous insurance coverage, the cost may be too high to bear. Fortunately, through the The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) that was passed in 1996, most women who switch health plans during pregnancy or enroll in a plan after they become pregnant are protected today. This means that if you change jobs and insurance plans during your pregnancy, you cannot be denied insurance coverage for care that relates to your pregnancy as long as you had insurance at your former job. It does not matter how long you were with your insurance plan before you switched. Also, your newborn cannot be denied coverage as long as you sign him or her up for health insurance within 30 days of birth. To make sure women have useful information about HIPAA, the National Partnership for Women and Families offers an easy-to-read Guide to HIPAA: What the Health Insurance Reform Law Means for Women and Families (visit http://www.nationalpartnership.org for more detailed information). The guide covers a range of situations and gives clear examples of what this important, but complex, law does and does not cover. In addition, the US Government has established the rules and supplies some of the funds used for Medicaid programs (for low- to moderate-income families). Each State also designs their specific programs and supplies the rest of the funding. When a person no longer qualifies under the income guidelines of the program, she must seek insurance from other sources, often at very high premiums. Through continuity of coverage, pregnancy is normally covered as a pre-existing condition. Pregnant women are in need of quality insurance coverage throughout their pregnancy. It is a well-known fact that good prenatal care is the key to a healthy baby and a healthy mother. Congratulations on your pregnancy and best wishes! Look through the previous questions at Blue Suit Mom to see the advice given for others who were seeking employment while they were pregnant (see "Pregnant & Job Change", "Pregnant & Looking for a Job", "Pregnancy news and "When to Tell About Pregnancy") Congratulations on your pregnancy and best wishes!
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