NWLC Marks Enormous Advance for Women as Preventive Health Services Provision of ACA Takes Effect

(Washington, D.C.)  Today, a provision of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) goes into effect that requires all new health plans at the start of their plan year to cover a set of important women’s preventive services with no co-pays or deductibles. The ACA’s Women’s Preventive Services Act includes well-woman visits; all forms of FDA-approved contraception; breastfeeding support, supplies, and counseling; screening for gestational diabetes; screening and counseling for sexually transmitted infections, including HIV; and screening and counseling for domestic partner violence.

The following is a statement from National Women’s Law Center Co-President Marcia D. Greenberger:

“Starting today, as new health care plans come under the reach of the Women’s Preventive Services Act, many more women will gain access to the essential care they need. New mothers will no longer have to forego counseling on nursing their children because they can’t afford it. Women will be able to use the safest and most effective contraceptive method for them without cost standing in the way. Other preventive health care, like HIV and domestic partner screening, will no longer be out of reach.

“Before the Affordable Care Act was signed, women and their families could be dropped from their insurance when they got sick. Their children could be denied coverage for pre-existing conditions. And millions of women struggled to afford preventive care and routine health screenings. Now, that’s all history. Women will no longer have to choose between going to the doctor when they are sick and paying their rent or putting food on the table for their children. Because of the Affordable Care Act, more and more women and families are gaining meaningful and affordable access to health care every day.”

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