The Affordable Care Act and Women’s Health

Two years ago, President Obama signed the historic health care bill, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) into law. Social workers strongly support the law because it makes vital improvements to health care access, quality and services for millions of Americans with health and behavioral health needs. In particular, the ACA addresses many issues for women in improving access to coverage and care. A significant benefit of the ACA is the availability for women to receive some preventive primary and reproductive health care health services, such as contraception, vaccinations, mammograms, well woman visits and Pap tests, at no charge. As stated in NASW’s recent practice update on women and the ACA, the health care concerns for low-income and uninsured women that are addressed under ACA include the following: lack of insurance, costs, prevention, and protection/security. These are significant changes to improve women’s health.

The ACA is a major step forward in achieving an equitable health care system for every American. NASW urges the Supreme Court to uphold the individual mandate and Medicaid provisions so that quality health care is available and affordable for all women, men and families throughout the United States.

In addition, Raising Women’s Voice for the Health Care We Need is kicking off its Countdown to Coverage campaign that focuses on helping women to understand the concrete benefits they already have and will continue to gain from the ACA. To learn more, go to: http://countdowntocoverage.org