Inside the unlikely alliance to make childbirth free in the U.S.
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What is the burden of childbirth costs in the U.S.?
But first, to an unlikely alliance in Congress that aims to lift a huge burden off of families in the United States by radically reducing the cost of having a child. If you have kids, then you know it's incredibly expensive, starting from day one. A hospital birth can cost tens of thousands of dollars. And while people with insurance get some of that covered, the final price tag can still cost thousands. Not to mention, child care in the U.S. is more expensive than any other developed country. A bill introduced by the Senate last month wouldn't solve for that last issue, but a group of bipartisan lawmakers want to make all costs related to childbirth, from prenatal care and ultrasounds to delivery and postpartum care, completely free. No copays or deductibles involved, which would put private coverage on par with Medicaid, which already covers those costs.
It's a really unusual mix of people thus far supporting this bill.
Who are the bipartisan lawmakers supporting childbirth cost reduction?
Rachel Cohen covers policy for Vox.
How would the proposed bill change childbirth costs?
But I think it really speaks to the fact that across the political spectrum, across the ideological spectrum, people recognize that the cost of giving birth in America is so just ridiculously high. And it's not like this across the world. The bill is being sponsored by Republican Senators Cindy Hyde-Smith from Mississippi and Josh Hawley from Missouri, as well as Democratic Senators Tim Kaine from Virginia and Kirsten Gillibrand from New York. Their bill delivers wins for both parties. It can be championed as a pro-family policy that potentially reduces abortions, and it's a way to expand health care access. And Cohen reports that a companion version of the policy is expected to be introduced to the House in the next few weeks. The bill proposes having insurance companies and people insured by private plans cover the cost of childbirth through small increases in premiums for everyone. According to analysis by the libertarian think tank Niskanen, premiums could go up by approximately $30 a year.
Obviously, one upside from the politician's perspective is this means that there's no budgetary cost to Congress. And that's a big plus, considering the debates Republican lawmakers are having right now around how to cut federal spending in President Trump's spending and tax package. Something else Cohen says appears to be promising for this legislation moving forward.
What challenges exist with private health insurance and childbirth?
It's been endorsed by organizations on opposing ends of the reproductive health conversation, like the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American Medical Association, plus anti-abortion groups like Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America and Students for Life. One big catch, however, is that most people's private health insurance is tied to their employment, and that's never guaranteed. Lots of people lose their jobs, and they lose their health insurance along with it. A lot of people lose their jobs when they're pregnant. Even if it's illegal, there's a lot of discrimination against people who are pregnant. So I think everyone sees this as definitely better than the status quo, but there are tons of problems just associated with having all of these health benefits of all kinds tied to our jobs.
The White House has not weighed in on the proposal yet, but it has entertained a number of ideas in recent months aimed at raising birth rates, including baby bonuses. And Vice President Vance was a supporter of the ideas underpinning this bill back when he was a senator. His office was preparing bipartisan legislation on this issue last year before he was tapped to join Trump's campaign.
How does the White House view the childbirth cost proposal?
Cohen reports that the upcoming reconciliation process will test whether Republicans ultimately choose to prioritize family policy or fiscal restraint. There are some fiscal conservatives who consider any insurance mandates as market interference. Now let's check in on the federal criminal trial of music mogul Sean Diddy Combs, which is in its fourth week and approaching the halfway point.
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Chapters
7 chapters
1
What is the burden of childbirth costs in the U.S.?
0:34–1:32
2
Who are the bipartisan lawmakers supporting childbirth cost reduction?
1:32–1:35
3
How would the proposed bill change childbirth costs?
1:35–2:54
4
What challenges exist with private health insurance and childbirth?
2:54–4:05
5
How does the White House view the childbirth cost proposal?
4:05–6:24
6
What is happening in the Sean Diddy Combs trial?
6:24–7:39
7
Who is the key witness in the Sean Diddy Combs trial?
7:39–13:53
Speakers
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