Spit-up On My Shoulder

Ron Lieber had an interesting article in the Wall Street Journal last Sunday. The article was on the importance of obtaining life insurance before your baby is born.

Due to the high occurrence of postpartum depression, it’s best to obtain life insurance as soon as you plan on having a baby. Unfortunately (and this makes me really mad), if you try to obtain life insurance after you have experienced depression, you could pay a lot more for it. It’s the same with health insurance (as I’ve found in my own situation.)

How is this right? If you take care of yourself and seek out treatment for your mental health, you risk getting penalized financially. It’s outrageous!

This system badly needs to change. The current situation favors women who go undiagnosed by giving them lower rates. Women don’t need another reason to continue suffering when they could feel better.

There is good news in Lieber’s article for those who seek out insurance after depression treament. You may be able to get a better deal if your therapist sends a written request to the insurance company, especially if your treatment is complete.

Until things change, protect yourself and get life insurance, at a low rate, before your baby comes. It will be one less thing for you to worry about.