Which statement about maternity coverage is accurate?

• A. There is never any cost-sharing for maternity.
• B. Waiting periods and benefit limits may apply.
• C. Maternity coverage always starts on day one.
• D. Maternity coverage is prohibited by law.

Answer: (B)

In medical expense insurance, maternity benefits are not automatically free of cost or guaranteed to begin immediately. The main idea here is that the specifics of maternity coverage can include waiting periods before benefits kick in, and there may be limits on how much is paid for maternity services within a policy year or over the life of the policy. Some plans also involve cost-sharing, such as deductibles or coinsurance, for maternity care. That’s why the correct statement is that waiting periods and benefit limits may apply.

Other options don’t fit because: cost-sharing can and often does apply to maternity services; not all plans start maternity coverage on day one, since waiting periods are common; and while laws regulate or require certain coverages, maternity coverage is not universally prohibited by law.