National Women's Law Center Marks the 3rd Anniversary of the Health Care Law

(Washington, D.C.) The National Women’s Center (NWLC) joins with women’s health advocates across the country to mark the 3^rd anniversary of the groundbreaking health care law known as the Affordable Care Act on March 23.

The following statement is from NWLC Co-President Marcia D. Greenberger:

“The National Women’s Law Center is thrilled to mark the third anniversary of the ACA, the landmark health care law that is one of the most significant advances for women’s health in our nation’s history.

“The Affordable Care Act has brought greater security and peace of mind to millions of women and their families who are benefiting from provisions of the law already in effect, such as an end to lifetime coverage caps and pre-existing condition exclusions for children. More and more health plans are covering preventative health care services with no co-pays, such as mammograms, birth control, well-woman visits, breastfeeding support and supplies, and domestic violence screening and counseling. Health plans are no longer allowed to cancel coverage when people get sick. These provisions are already having an enormous and positive effect.

“And this is just the beginning. Other important benefits and protections will continue to roll out through 2014, when the law is fully implemented. Women will no longer be treated as a pre-existing condition, as health insurance companies will no longer be allowed to charge women more for coverage. In addition, newly-established health insurance marketplaces will allow women to compare plans and shop for affordable, comprehensive health insurance coverage for themselves and their families.

“These monumental changes are already providing women and their families greater access to the health care they need and fulfilling the promise of the law. We look forward to the positive impact that the ACA will have once it is fully implemented.”

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