The Affordable Care Act (ACA) is a set of new laws and regulations designed to make health care more affordable and accessible to Americans. It includes a variety of changes, including increased coverage for important preventive services and maternity care. This article examines some of the changes that women will benefit from under the new law.
Reduced likelihood of being uninsured before and after pregnancy
If you are expecting a baby, it’s a good idea to have health insurance coverage. This can help prevent the impact of preexisting conditions on your baby. Health insurance also helps provide you with access to health care and identify issues that may arise.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has been conducting a study called PRAMS. It examines the health of women in selected states and helps to build support for health programs. The findings of this study can help policymakers and health practitioners to better address health issues facing pregnant women and new parents. Among other things, it found that one third of women who gave birth in 2009 lacked health insurance at some point.
This study also looked at the stability of health insurance before and after pregnancy. Pregnancy coverage can help to reduce the risk of exposure to preconception health risks, such as obesity.
Improved coverage for important preventive services and maternity care
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires private and group health plans to cover certain preventive services without cost sharing. These requirements are part of a broader package known as the essential health benefits. It also includes maternity care, prescription drug coverage, and screenings for HIV and HPV.
Historically, women have been charged higher premiums for health insurance than men. This is because women are more likely to be at risk for certain illnesses. To address this, the ACA prevents health insurers from denying women coverage for pre-existing conditions. Women can now receive a routine checkup with an OB/GYN provider without an approval.
Evidence-based preventive services are effective ways to treat illnesses before they progress and become debilitating. Some of these services include annual well- woman exams, breast and cervical cancer screenings, and birth control. Other services include counseling for illnesses or conditions, breastfeeding supplies, and screening for vision impairment and tuberculosis.
National Women’s Health Information Center
The National Women’s Health Information Center (NWHIC) is a gateway to women’s health information resources. Its mission is to provide a single point of entry to more than 4,000 women’s health-related publications and resources. NWHIC offers a variety of health-related resources, including health news, funding opportunities, an event calendar, and a toll-free telephone number.
NWHIC is supported by the Office on Women’s Health (OWH) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). OWH coordinates all women’s health initiatives throughout the Department. In addition to promoting health equity and culturally appropriate care for women, OWH focuses on reducing violence against women.
Through the NWHIC, the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) can consult experts in the field to address women’s health issues. OWH also coordinates efforts to promote women’s health policies and programs with the private sector.
State laws against sex discrimination in employment
Sex discrimination is a violation of federal and state laws. State laws often provide additional protections not already covered by federal law.
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits employers from discriminating against employees based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has also extended this law to protect workers from gender-based discrimination.
Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination that can happen on the job. It can occur by an employer, a co-worker, or a client. If it’s unwelcome and frequent, it can be considered a violation.
A few states have passed laws explicitly banning employment discrimination based on sex. Others have protected survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, or stalking.
The Equal Pay Act, a federal law, requires employers to pay men and women equally for substantially the same work. This protection also covers compensation.
