YWCA believes that quality, affordable health care is critical to everyone, but for many women, children, and people of color getting the insurance coverage and medical care they need is a struggle.
Are there affordable health care options for women?
The Affordable Care Act (ACA, also known as “ObamaCare”), together with programs such as Medicare, Medicaid, and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), are vital to help women and their families manage the cost and accessibility of health care. The ACA has provided far-reaching benefits to women, including preventative health services like mammograms, immunizations, prenatal care, domestic violence screenings, and contraception without cost-sharing. The ACA also prevents insurance companies from denying or rescinding coverage because of pre-existing conditions, including domestic violence, cesarean sections, and cancer.
In addition, protecting access to the full range of reproductive health services is an especially important issue for women. Contraception, STI testing and treatment, maternal healthcare, and other medical services are vital to the lives and well-being of women and must be fundamental components of quality healthcare.
YWCA position
YWCA supports the strong and viable healthcare infrastructure currently provided by the Affordable Care Act, Medicaid, Medicare, state health insurance programs, and reproductive health service providers. YWCA opposes repeal of the ACA without a comprehensive replacement that preserves protections for women and families. YWCA also opposes changes to Medicaid, Medicare, and CHIP that would weaken benefits or reduce the number of people eligible for coverage. Moreover, YWCA opposes efforts to limit the ability of reproductive health service providers to provide accessible, safe, and comprehensive services to patients.