When a woman becomes pregnant, several state and federal benefits are available to help her have a healthy baby. At the very least, a pregnant woman is entitled to 12 weeks of unpaid leave under federal law. But 40 percent of all pregnant women are also covered by Medicaid, a program that provides quality health-care for both the mother and her newborn. Meanwhile, health-care reforms enacted in 2010 will expand benefits for pregnant women as the law is phased in. All changes will be complete by 2014.
Medical Leave
Under the Family and Medical Leave Act, a pregnant woman is entitled to 12 weeks of unpaid maternity leave, says the U.S. Department of Labor. All public agencies, schools and private companies with 50 or more employees are required to grant this leave. To qualify, the woman must have worked for her employer for at least one year and 1,250 hours, says the Department of Labor.
Prenatal Care
In upcoming years, pregnant women will get more and better health care, both through private insurance and Medicaid, says Medical News Today. The 2010 health-care reform provides preventive screenings and services at no extra cost to pregnant women with private insurance. In addition, private insurers must offer an essential health-benefits package that will include maternity and newborn coverage. Kaiser Health News adds that home-nurse care and services for postpartum depression have been increased, as well.
WIC
The Women Infants and Children Program is available to low-income and nutritionally at-risk pregnant mothers. The program can be used throughout pregnancy and six weeks after birth, says the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The program supplies healthy foods to the pregnant woman. WIC also offers nutritional counseling. Finally, WIC assists in referrals to other programs and agencies.
References
- Kaiser Health News: Pregnant Women and New Mothers Will Get Benefits, Services Under Health Care Law
- Medical News Today: Health Reform Law Includes Many Benefits for Pregnant Women, New Mothers
- U.S. Department of Labor: The Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993
- USDA Food and Nutrition Service: WIC at a Glance
