The Obama vs Romney election was a while ago, and we’ve already heard all the fights about Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act/Affordable Care Act/Obamacare, whether you heard it as background noise or right in your faces.
Whether you voted for it or not, the Affordable Care Act has been enacted. What does this mean for you? Well, plenty of things. In this article, though, I’ll focus on talking about what it means for YOU, specifically, as an early 20’s (or close to it) female college student.
Insurance
-Do your parents already have insurance and are you on their plan?
If yes—great! This is the ideal. Now you’ll be on their plan until you are 26. Go you. Get your card because you’re going to need it.
-Are you freaking out right now because your parents either don’t have insurance, or you’re not on their plan?
Don’t panic. ACA developed new insurance marketplaces called, “exchanges.” Unfortunately they won’t be running until 2014 and each state will have control of what they want to do with it. In the meantime, I’ll ask you to head on over to https://www.healthcare.gov/ and start planning your crazy New Year’s Eve now because you’ll finally be able to afford taking that booze-induced fall off your roof.
Birth Control
Probably the most relevant aspect of ACA in the lives of most college students (though I’d argue this is the most relevant aspect for all women, regardless of sexual lifestyle!) All health insurances are required to include a list of contraceptives that they will provide. Any insurance card will have their phone number on their card. Call and ask about the list of birth control that they are able to provide. Just like anything else with finances and insurance, they will of course keep your request private—even from other members on the same insurance plan, in case you were worried. Once you have the list, call your doctor and switch (or start) your current prescription.
For those of you who are covered by the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, I did some of the dirty work for you. You’re welcome.
Apri (pill)
Solia (pill)
Implanon (implant)
Nexplanon (implant)
Nuvaring (vaginal ring)
Jolessa (pill)
Skyla (IUD)
Marena (IUD)
Depo-Provera (injection)
**The list is longer, but if you are unable to call your insurance for whatever reason, here are some that you could request to be prescribed.
Free Well Women Exams
Last but not least, keep up your health. Having a body packed with internal reproductive organs comes with responsibility. Even if you’re not sexually active, it’s important to make sure everything is working smoothly. ACA mandates all preventive screening are fully paid for by insurance companies. No more co-pay to get that annual pap smear! So raise up and spread ‘em for those stirrups girl, there’s no reason you shouldn’t be making sure everything is clean and healthy.
Hopefully I’ve given you enough tools and information for you to be able to acquire your own (free or cheap) birth control, get a handle on your insurance, and understand what Obamacare can and will do for you now that it’s radically changing the nation’s healthcare. Go out, have fun, be safe and know your stuff.