Under the current system, many health insurers deny or refuse to offer individual or small group coverage for gender-specific conditions, such as female infertility or having a previous caesarean section. Health insurers also frequently charge women higher premiums than men for the same coverage. A 2009 report by the National Women's Law Center found that women in the individual market can be charged up to 84% more than men for similar policies that do not include maternity coverage.
The new reform law will prohibit insurers from setting premium prices based on a consumer's gender or personal health history, "Morning Edition" reports. Policies offered in the new health insurance exchanges, which will take effect in 2014, will be required to provide coverage for pregnancy and related conditions.
Beginning five months from now, new insurance plans will have to allow women to receive care from obstetricians and gynecologists without referrals from primary care providers, according to "Morning Edition." In addition, insurers will be barred from charging copayments or other upfront costs for preventive services like mammograms and Pap tests.
NWLC Co-President Marcia Greenberger said, "Women have an enormous amount to gain from this bill," adding that in addition to the provisions requiring coverage of maternity care and banning industry practices that discriminate against women, the law "requires employers with 50 or more employees to provide a place and time for nursing mothers" to breastfeed or pump (Silberner, "Morning Edition," NPR, 4/23).
Reprinted with kind permission from nationalpartnership. You can view the entire Daily Women's Health Policy Report, search the archives, or sign up for email delivery here. The Daily Women's Health Policy Report is a free service of the National Partnership for Women & Families, published by The Advisory Board Company.
© 2010 The Advisory Board Company. All rights reserved.
Buy Nevirapine Without Prescription
Комментариев нет:
Отправить комментарий