President Obama’s conquests stirred A LOT of debate, particularly his desire to ensure that every American had health insurance. This, arguably, would decrease overall health expenditure and increase access to care. The mandate bit of legislation, again, created a lot of heated debate as well.
Whether or not you agree that health insurance should be required and mandated by the law, as a women’s health oriented company, we cannot ignore the fact that more than 20 million women did not have health coverage. In fact, 52% of women reported delaying or avoiding necessary care due to its cost.
Women face greater marginalization socially, economically, and politically. Thus, gaining access to health care and insurance can be significantly more difficult. And, because of our reproductive system, women face a greater deal of healthcare expenses. Out of pocket expenses are higher than men’s due to things ranging from pap smears to gestational diabetes. Jezebel wrote “An Itemized List” several months ago about how much it costs to have a vagina. Birth control and tampons were just the tip of the iceberg.
The Affordable Care Act allowed for 47 million women to have access to services such as:
– Annual well-woman visits
– Screening for gestational diabetes
– Testing for HPV
– Counseling for STIs (prevention & treatment)
– Counseling & screening for HIV
– Contraceptive methods (birth control) and counseling
– Breastfeeding support, supplies & counseling.
So, in celebration of the ACA’s particular interest in women’s health, here are three infographics that best explain the services offered to women:
1) “Free Birth Control & a bunch of other stuff Goes into Effect Today!” – An inforgraphic about the changes made to birth control and the ACA on August 1st, 2012.
2) “Women’s Health: A Premium on Gender” – An infographic about how insurers attribute higher premiums for women than men of the same age because the increased cost of women’s care.
3) “Women’s Preventive Health Services Now Covered Under Obamacare” – An infographic about what women gain & several states’ reactions.
Maxim Hygiene supports women’s health and we support politicians that aim to ensure that women have access to health care. We go the extra mile and support women’s health by providing organic feminine hygiene products.
A mother’s health determines her family’s health. The choice to become a mother or not, and at what age and circumstance, has a great impact on the life of a young girl or woman. We hope that this blog post helps you to understand the services available to you. Regardless of political affiliation, religion, race, sexual preference and socioeconomic background women are women. Our biology unites us and defines us. Stand up for women’s health this election and help to ensure that every child has a healthy mother and that every daughter can become a healthy mother herself.