Eight Ways Young Women Benefit From Obamacare
Quick list of what's great about the ACA for young women.
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Eight Ways Young Women Benefit From Obamacare - You've heard people arguing about Obamacare (officially known as the Affordable Care Act or ACA) for months ... but you may have tuned it all out, because it's all so confusing and you don’t even know how — or if — it affects you. But starting in 2014, the law will require most people to buy insurance or risk paying a $95 fine, so now is the time to pay attention. And the fact is, you may discover that there are lots of benefits you'll be able to take advantage of that you couldn't before. Here's a quick list of what's great about the ACA, especially for young women. — Reporting and writing by Phil Galewitz/ Kaiser Health News (Photo: Todd Pearson/Getty Images)
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You Can Stay on Your Parents' Health Policy Until You Turn 26 - Previously, most insurers did not allow young adults beyond age 21 to stay on their parents' policies. More than 3 million young adults have gained coverage since this provision went into effect in 2010. Your parents will be charged the same rates as when you were younger. You can be covered by their policy even if you’re married, but the coverage won't extend to your spouse.(Photo: Jupiterimages/Getty Images)
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You’re Entitled to Free Preventive Care, Including Birth Control - Since 2012, nearly 30 million women have benefited from free preventive services including checkups, screenings for diabetes and HIV, contraceptives and family planning counseling. Keep in mind, health plans may not cover all birth control, so your preferred method may not be one of the ones provided, but you will have at least one free option. Also, certain religious employers are exempt from the birth control requirement. (Photo: Keith Brofsky/Getty Images)
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You May Be Eligible for Government Discounts on Insurance - Starting Oct. 1, new online health insurance exchanges will go live in every state, selling coverage that will take effect Jan. 1, 2014. The exchanges will allow you to compare prices and benefits to find an insurance plan you can afford that fits your needs; if you still feel you can’t afford it, you can find out whether you’re entitled to a federal tax credit based on your income. The lower your income, the higher the tax credit. You can get the discount at the time you enroll. Find information on your state exchange here.(Photo: JGI/Jamie Grill/Getty Images)
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You’ll Have Maternity Coverage, No Matter What - You may not know this but only about 12 percent of health plans sold on the individual market currently include coverage for maternity, according to Judy Waxman of the National Women’s Law Center. But starting next year, all individual health plans will have to include 10 essential health benefits including maternity care, as well as hospitalization, prescription drugs, mental health services and preventive services.(Photo: Monika Bender/Getty Images)
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