NJ Insurers to pay maternity benefits
Monday, August 24th, 2009
By: Fit Staff
mcampbell@whyy.org
By: Phil Gregory
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A new law in New Jersey requires health insurance companies operating in the Garden State to pay maternity benefits in installments. It's aimed at improving care and attracting more doctors.
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Most providers of obstetrical services in the Garden State have received reimbursement from insurers only after the delivery of a baby. State Senator Nia Gill sponsored the legislation for providers to be paid on an ongoing basis during a woman's pregnancy.
She says eliminating the wait for payment may encourage more OBGYN's to open shop in New Jersey
Gill: They actually will be getting paid for what they deliver in terms of health care and so it will increase the ability for new health care providers.
Gill says anything to improve maternity care is important since New Jersey has one of the highest rates of infant mortality in the nation. The new installment payment plan applies to obstetricians and midwives and takes effect September 1st.
