October, 31 2008, 02:31pm EDT
Statement by Cecile Richards On Gender Disparity In Health Insurance Premiums
WASHINGTON
"Our health care system is broken. Today's news that women pay
significantly more in insurance premiums than men for individual health
insurance policies is another reason for the urgent need for
comprehensive health care reform," said Cecile Richards, president of
the Planned Parenthood Federation of America. "The individual market
does an inadequate job of providing quality, affordable health
insurance to women, oftentimes not covering basic health needs such as
maternity care.
"As a trusted and leading reproductive health care provider,
Planned Parenthood sees millions of women every year and knows
firsthand the health needs of women across the country. That is why we
are advocating for health care reform that guarantees equal access to
comprehensive, high-quality, affordable health care for all. That means
protecting women's access to some of their most basic health needs,
such as inclusion of contraception in comprehensive drug benefit plans;
direct access to ob/gyn's; coverage of maternity care; breast cancer,
cervical cancer, and HPV screenings."
Read the New York Times article: Women Buying Health Policies Pay a Penalty
Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA) is many things to many people. We are a trusted health care provider, an informed educator, a passionate advocate, and a global partner helping similar organizations around the world. Planned Parenthood delivers vital health care services, sex education, and sexual health information to millions of women, men, and young people.
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