As you know it is an election year as collegiate women it is important to know and understand the plans in action by both candiates. Health care is a point of debate for both candiates. Here is a bit of information about the Affordable Care Act is and how it impacts young women.
As of August 1st, young adults are eligible to stay on their parent’s insurance plan until age 26. According to The President’s Record on Women’s Health, 31 million young adults have gained coverage because of the Affordable Care Act. So what does this mean for women in and just out of college?
1. Sexual health is a major issue during our early and mid 20s, thus, we should be taking full advantage of our legal rights of insured screenings, medications, and other treatments.
Although any sexually transmitted disease is not a positive one, Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a virus that can lead to serious health complications, including that ever so popular one, cancer. The health care plan allows coverage for treatment and screening to prevent this problem.
2. Along with insured screenings and other treatments, the Affordable Care Act covers birth control too. Birth control has its obvious use, preventing pregnancy, but there are other uses that can benefit women’s health. Birth control can reduce our risk of developing ovarian and endometrial cancers.
3. Of course, covered doctor visits have many purposes and that is why we need to take advantage of them.
Women should get yearly physicals that measure their overall health. This provides the opportunity to ask general questions and learn how to better care for you body. The Affordable Care Act potentially give young women the opportunity to access health care and take better care of their bodies.