Birth control will be free of copays by 2013
Health insurers will have to provide birth control to women for free under policies that start next fall, according to new rules from the Obama administration.
The rules were developed by the Health and Human Services Department as part of heath care reform and include other preventive measures (here are all the guidelines). The well-respected Institute of Medicine had recommended the change recently.
Health Secretary Kalthleen Sebelius said all of the items included were preventive:
“The Affordable Care Act helps stop health problems before they start,” she said in a statement. “These historic guidelines are based on science and existing literature and will help ensure women get the preventive health benefits they need.”
Here's a full story by Reuters.
Groups like Planned Parenthood support the change, citing estimates that half of all pregnancies are unplanned. But religious organizations oppose the move.
Where do you stand?
Comments
"These historic guidelines are based on science and existing literature and will help ensure women get the preventive health benefits they need"
So no money for anything the average american needs. But we do have money to prevent you from having children.
They are after all a "Health" issue that must be "prevented".
If you are not a part of the 1% we will help you not to breed.
There is a precedent to these "Historic Guidelines". It started in Germany in the 30's. And "Science" supported the measures whole heartedly.
Posted by: Ruth.T | August 1, 2011 7:05 PM
The birth control pill has been used safely and effectively for forty years. Time to put it over-the-counter, without need of physicians overseeing who gets it. The yearly costs for the prescription, Dr.s appointments, refferals, time off from work, ect is ridiculous, for such a safe drug. Want to lower costs? Put it on the shelf.
Posted by: angela | August 1, 2011 7:27 PM
Birth control for women should be FREE regardless of having health insurance or not.
Posted by: Michelle Brown | August 2, 2011 8:57 AM
I first went on birth control because of issues with my period. Many people take birth control for medical reasons too.
Posted by: KB | August 2, 2011 10:53 AM
It's about time this level of care is provided for American women. Now if we can just get mammograms covered for all ages and paid & longer maternity leave policies in place, we'll be right up there with some of the leading third world countries.
Posted by: SZ | August 3, 2011 9:51 AM