The following information from HHS.gov/Health Care provides an overview of the coverage and services available to women now, and beginning in 2014 under the Affordable Care Act.
Applicable Now Under the Affordable Care Act
- 26.9 million women with private health insurance gained expanded preventive services with no cost-sharing in 2011 and 2012, including mammograms, cervical cancer screenings, prenatal care, flu and pneumonia shots, and regular well-baby and well-child visits.
- As of August 1, 2012 many health plans now cover additional preventive services with no cost-sharing, including well-woman visits, screening for gestational diabetes, domestic violence screening, breastfeeding supplies and contraceptive services.
- 24.7 million women enrolled in Medicare received preventive services without cost-sharing in 2011, including an annual wellness visit, a personalized prevention plan, mammograms, and bone mass measurement for women at risk of osteoporosis.
- 1.1 million women between ages 19 and 25 who would have been uninsured have coverage under their parent’s employer-sponsored or individually purchased health insurance plan.
- More than 2 million women enrolled in Medicare saved $1.2 billion in 2011 due to improvements in prescription drug coverage.
- Major federal investments in care innovations such as community health teams are improving the management of chronic diseases, which are prevalent among women.
Applicable in 2014 and Thereafter Under the Affordable Care Act
- An estimated 8.7 million American women currently purchasing individual insurance will gain coverage for maternity services.
- Insurance companies in the individual and small group markets will no longer be permitted to charge higher rates due to gender or health status.
- 18.6 million uninsured women will have new opportunities for coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace.
- State Medicaid programs will be able to offer more opportunities to women who need personal assistance or long-term care and wish to stay at home and in the community, rather than enter a nursing home.
Last Updated: July 30, 2013
