Since most Colorado families are covered by a group health plan, it may come as quite a surprise to learn that Colorado individual health insurance planscurrently offer no real benefits for pregnant women. A lot of confusion has surrounded this issue over the past year, primarily because of the new PPACA health care reform laws.

This has been such a contentious topic among Colorado residents that when a recent House Committee on Energy and Commerce memo outlined plans for a changing this practice (October 2010), many breathed a sigh of relief. According to HB 1021, which takes effect this year, maternity coverage will soon be required in all Colorado individual health insurance plans. The changes will go into effect when a subscriber renews their current policy or gets a new one, which makes a lot more sense than the optional maternity riders that had to be added in the past. Many insurance companies have long since dropped these riders since their loss ratio was unsustainable.

  Now, just like group health plan holders, the individual market will also share the cost of maternity coverage by paying slightly higher premiums across the board. While this may seem unfair at first, it is no different than members assuming the risk of any other health issue, such as a heart attack, car accident or cancer. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) will impact more than just Colorado individual health insurance plans. It will ensure that as of 2014, no application in any state can be denied when the applicant is an expectant mother. At that time, all plans will have to include maternity coverage, but Colorado is getting a head start on this by requiring coverage for maternity care in 2011. The PPACA health care reform legislation has many people wondering how their health insurance will change. To get answers to your questions about Colorado individual health insurance, work with a qualified health insurance broker from HealthQuotes.com. Michael Horvat is a health insurance expert and broker with HealthQuotes.comin Colorado Springs, CO. If you are searching for Colorado health insurance plans or quotes, please give Michael a call anytime at 800-345-0789.

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