Starting today, millions of women in the U.S. will have access to free birth control and other health services as the new healthcare reform law goes into effect.
The United States Health and Human Services Department has estimated that approximately 47 million women between the ages of 15 and 64 will be covered for a list of services. This list of free services includes birth control, domestic violence counseling and HIV testing among others.
Employers and health insurance companies are now required to cover a total of 8 women’s health services, with deductibles and co-pays eliminated as well.
But the law only applies to new insurance plans, meaning that women who already have coverage may need to wait a few months before these services become free to them.
Concerns have also risen over a clause that exempts “purely religious” employers from the requirement. Critics of the clause cite a Denver, Colorado manufacturing company as a case study. The company’s ownership by a Catholic family who opposes the healthcare measure allowed it to legally opt out of providing the services.
While the final number of women who will be covered is still unclear, the law will impact the ease with which women can now access birth control and other preventative services.