March of Dimes Statement on Tax Credits 1/29/2002
From: Christina Manero of the March of Dimes, 202-659-1800 or 202-215-7208 (cell); email: christina@manero.net WASHINGTON, Jan. 29 -- The following is a statement by Dr. Jennifer L. Howse (pronounced HOUSE), president of the March of Dimes, on tax credits. "As we begin the new year, the March of Dimes reaffirms its commitment to increase access to appropriate and affordable health care for women, infants, and children. Eleven million -- more than one in six -- women of childbearing age were uninsured in 2000, according to U.S. Census Bureau data commissioned by the March of Dimes. "As Congress considers the President's tax credit proposal outlined in tonight's State of the Union address, the March of Dimes urges Members to keep in mind that any public policy designed to increase the availability of health insurance for uninsured women and families should include comprehensive maternity coverage of prenatal visits, labor and delivery, and postpartum care. "Having health insurance doesn't necessarily mean being covered for maternity care. Although childbirth is the most common reason for a hospital stay, some women who have health insurance do not have coverage for maternity benefits. In such cases, new parents can be responsible for thousands of dollars in hospital and physician billsa very serious financial burden for young families. "In particular, the smallest employers are most likely to exclude maternity coverage according to information gathered from additional questions to the Mercer/Foster Higgins National Survey of Employer sponsored Health Plans in 2000 commissioned by the March of Dimes. Seven percent of employers with 10-24 employees exclude maternity benefits from their primary health plan (the one with the largest enrollment), compared to just 1 percent of those with 200-499 employees. The survey also found indemnity plans are more likely to exclude maternity coverage12 percent of these plans did not cover maternity care compared with only 1 percent of health maintenance organization (HMO) plans. In more than one quarter of the plans surveyed, dependent daughters are excluded from maternity benefits. "As Congress returns and these challenging issues are again on the nation's agenda, the March of Dimes urges policy makers to work toward increasing the availability of health coverage for young families by including maternity care in the scope of services of any initiative designed to address the health needs of mothers and babies." The March of Dimes is a national voluntary health agency whose mission is to improve the health of children by preventing birth defects and infant mortality. Founded in 1938, the March of Dimes funds programs of research, community services, education and advocacy. For more information visit the March of Dimes Web site at www.modimes.org, its Spanish Web site at www.nacersano.org or call 1-888-MODIMES |