One North Carolina congresswoman explained the biology of birth to the Health and Human Services secretary Wednesday during a humorous moment at a hearing on the botched Obamacare rollout.
Republican Rep. Renee Ellmers raised the issue of Obamacare’s mandated coverage of health care services that many might not even need — like pregnancy coverage. She said, Breitbart.com reported: “As far as [Obamacare’s] essential health benefits, correct me if I’m wrong — do men not have to buy maternity care?”
Ms. Sebelius: “Policies will cover maternity coverage. For the young and healthy, under 30-year-olds will have a choice also of a catastrophic plan that has no maternity coverage.”
Ms. Ellmers: “But men are required to purchase maternity coverage.”
Ms. Sebelius: “Well, an insurance policy has a series of benefits whether you use them or not.”
Ms. Ellmers: “And that is why health care premiums are increasing, because we are forcing them to buy things that they will never need. Thank you.”
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Ms. Sebelius: “The individual policies cover families. Men often do need maternity care for their spouses and for their families, yes.”
Ms. Ellmers: “A single male, aged 32, does not need maternity coverage. To be the best of your knowledge, has a man ever delivered a baby?”
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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