Places like Portland have an abundance of Planned Parenthood clinics, which provide low to no cost contraceptives and other health care services to women(and men), specifically those that reside deeply below the federal poverty level. A person such as myself, without health insurance and inevitably needing an annual exam and birth control RX, is able to schedule an appointment at one of several metro PP locations and get both for really cheap (or free). Many however, are not as fortunate as I.
Those who live in rural areas where jobs, money making opportunities and affordable health care are scarce, are specifically impacted when Congress, State law makers and insurance companies restrict access (in whichever capacity they can) to contraceptive and sexual health services. If some do get insurance, in many instances they do not have coverage for contraception, which means they'll be paying for their birth control out of pocket.
Since The Pill was approved for RX by the the FDA roughly 50 years ago, women have spent billions of dollars on contraception. Studies show that women spend upwards of 30 years paying heavily to avoid pregnancy and the cost to society is no doubt equally as expensive. This cost doesn't include the billions in tax payer dollars that have specifically been allocated to fight sex education and access to contraceptives.
Thus, reading this news- health insurers may cover contraceptives at 100%- makes me feel very overjoyed. Will it be an intense fight to get this instituted? Of course, but nothing worthwhile is rarely easy. More women will be able to attain affordable contraceptives and will have ultimately more control over their own reproductive decisions. This move could potentially save consumers and insurers a lot of moola.
It is a win-win for everyone, but will be a fight to do the death as there will surely be ridiculous opposition from conservatives and those who think women shouldn't be able to chose when/if/how they want children.
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