University of Oregon College Democrats

College Democrats of America executive board member explains why substantive Health Care is especially important for women in America.

As the health care reform debate continues, there is one issue that cannot be ignored: The current health-care system takes a particular toll on women.

Women pay more for coverage because they require more preventative care, and as such are forced to pay higher deductibles. This price gap is especially high for women in the age group most likely to bear children. Indeed, women aged 15 to 44 spend 68 percent more on health care than their male counterparts in the same age group.

Under the current system, pregnant mothers can be denied health-care coverage altogether, potentially causing not only adverse health outcomes for the mother but also for the child.

However, the health-care bills moving through Congress would fix these disparities between men and women. Insurance rates could no longer be based on sex, which is a common practice today in most states. Additionally, co-pays would be eliminated for necessary preventative care, and all states would need to provide some affordable coverage to pregnant women.

So although a shared sacrifice might be necessary for health-care reform to finally pass, it seems a little price to pay to ensure that all women receive the equality in health care they so desperately need. After all, the health of our next generation is dependent upon the health of its mothers.

-Jen Johns

Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09287/1005210-110.stm#ixzz0Tvpy1CRC