Utah women weigh in on benefits of Affordable Care Act


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SALT LAKE CITY — President Obama's new health care act has drawn criticism and praise for both sides of the aisle. Various pieces of the new laws will be rolling out over the next few years, and many in Utah have been wondering how the new laws will affect them.

Bountiful resident Emily Young, 44, is tethered to an oxygen tube, but said she still enjoys every moment of her life. Emily has been fighting lung cancer, spread from breast cancer, for a few years.

She became worse after her private insurance ended, and had no insurance options until she was no longer able to work. Then her Medicaid coverage kicked in. Young said she feels millions of women will feel that same peace of mind as the Affordable Care Act takes effect.

"If I had insurance, I would have been able to follow up with tests, monitor my health, and take the exams, the X-rays I would have after the surgery to maintain a healthy life," Young said.

Benefits of the Affordable Care Act for women
  • Annual check-ups
  • FDA approved contraception
  • Screening for gestational diabetes for women at least 24 weeks pregnant
  • Testing for the Human Papilloma Virus for women age 30 and older
  • Screening and counseling for sexually transmitted infections, including HIV
  • Breastfeeding supplies and counseling
  • Screening and counseling for domestic violence
  • Mammograms and Colonoscopies

The Affordable Care Act also gives all women access to mammograms and colonoscopies with no co-pay. It covers annual checkups, contraception, screening for gestational diabetes, PAP smears, screening for STD's, breast feeding supplies and domestic violence counseling.

Insurance companies will no longer be able to charge women more for their health coverage.

Additional benefits for women will be required by insurance companies under the Affordable Care Act. The idea is that, by preventing more serious health problems, things be better for the overall insurance pool, and the United States will have a healthier society.

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Richard Piatt

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