The U.S. House has just approved President Trump’s health care bill, and the prospects look grim for women. With this legislation aiming to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, it now moves to a Republican-controlled Senate. Ladies, it’s time to brace yourselves for the fallout.
We’ve elected a president whose history includes hostility toward women, and now we’re witnessing the tangible effects of that choice. There’s no sugarcoating it; this situation is dire. Am I being overly dramatic? Let’s examine the implications regarding “pre-existing conditions” that have folks concerned.
Under this new bill, potentially devastating scenarios like RAPE, DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, and even C-SECTIONs could be classified as pre-existing conditions. Notice a trend? These issues primarily impact women. The assault on women’s rights is in full force, and they celebrated the bill’s passage to the tune of the “Rocky” theme.
Take a moment to let that resonate.
Before the Affordable Care Act, survivors of sexual assault could find themselves denied health coverage after seeking treatment. Yes, you read that correctly. Insurance companies could refuse to cover victims based on their history of being raped, and the MacArthur-Meadows Amendment included in this bill would empower states to discriminate based on medical history.
For instance, Chris Turner, a former health insurance agent, highlighted that underwriters would flat-out deny coverage to rape survivors, labeling them too high-risk. Postpartum depression is also on the list of potential pre-existing conditions. If you’ve sought help, you might find yourself facing discrimination from insurance companies. Have you been treated for injuries from domestic violence? Congratulations, you now have a mark against you in the eyes of insurers.
Consider this case: Jody Lee, a domestic abuse survivor, disclosed her trauma while applying for insurance, including details about counseling and necessary medication. The insurance company rejected her application without providing a reason, despite her otherwise good health. These stories were far too common before the Affordable Care Act, and there was little accountability for insurance companies in denying coverage.
The Los Angeles Times reports that the new bill would allow states to circumvent a crucial requirement from the Affordable Care Act, which mandates equal premiums for healthy individuals and those with serious health conditions. Moreover, it would cut funding to Medicaid, remove penalties for individuals who choose not to buy insurance, and offer less generous subsidies. Critics warn that this could diminish protections for those with pre-existing conditions, making premiums unaffordable, particularly for women.
Quartz aptly noted that historically, being a woman in the U.S. has often felt like having a pre-existing condition. With statistics revealing that 33% of American mothers have undergone C-sections, 20% of women will experience sexual assault in their lives, and 25% will face domestic violence, it’s clear that the fight for women’s health rights is more critical than ever.
In summary, the passage of this health care bill marks a significant setback for women’s health rights, threatening to reverse hard-won protections and leaving many vulnerable. As we navigate this challenging landscape, it’s crucial to stay informed and engaged in the fight for equitable health care.
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