The day has finally arrived! America has been waiting for this day for quite some time. As of today, here is the list of women’s health services that will be provided without a co-pay.
Here’s a link to the SF Gate article.
— Well-woman visits, or checkups, and preventive care services such as mammograms and cervical cancer screening.
— Testing for HPV, or human papilloma virus.
— Screening for gestational diabetes.
— Annual counseling for sexually transmitted infections.
— Annual counseling and screening for HIV, or human immunodeficiency virus.
— All federally approved, prescribed contraceptive methods and counseling.
— Breastfeeding support, supplies and counseling.
— Screening and counseling for interpersonal and domestic violence.
For more information: http://www.healthcare.gov/prevention
Now, the small catch is this: this will take affect immediately for plans issued on or after today, otherwise, when your healthcare plan is renewed. And of course, this is for insured persons. I believe there is still more to do for low-income or persons without insurance, such as Family Pact, which I have as a student with low-income that is private from my parents’ insurance.
But basically, I am happy today has come. No matter your views on the person or group who put this into effect, this is a strong and vital step into creating some sort of standardization in health care here in America. It is extremely important that the country can help others help themselves. I believe that preventive health care is absolutely important and that it should be free. I don’t really see how it is logical to charge someone to ask a few questions or ask for advice. I understand doctors, nurses, therapists and psychologists need to be paid, but their services should be paid for by the government. It works in my head, but this way, people can save their money for things that are more urgent than asking a few questions, such as treatment. I believe people and the government should spend their money on treatment, because that is absolutely necessary. Asking for help (and in some cases, getting insurance) should be easy choice that we make. People shouldn’t have to choose to save their money for treatment (or whatever dreadful event comes after) because they can’t afford that one test that could let them know the truth before it is too late.
Everything in America is complicated, I understand that. There’s always circumstances or opinions or skills or levels of capabilities that make things harder than it should be. However, I believe America as a whole can figure out what’s the best and efficient way to make us healthier. Please, realizing that just creating a dialogue helps the world move into action. And we did it!
Now, look forward to getting free things!! Please, find out when this takes into affect for you, and schedule those appointments for tests, screenings, and counseling. Getting tested and getting help should be routine, not only when you have a scare. Please, take this great opportunity as a helping hand.
Cheers! xoxo
What I was listening to:
God Is An Astronaut
sophievibes 