Women should get free birth control, panel says

DrPhil · #1 07-20-2011, 09:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by article

An independent panel of doctors and health experts recommended Tuesday that health plans cover a broad range of contraceptives for women without co-pays, setting the stage for another debate over the impact of the new health overhaul.

The law that President Obama signed last year requires new health plans to cover many preventive health services without co-pays or deductibles for patients, a key provision of the new law that experts believe will encourage more Americans to get recommended immunizations, cancer screenings and other services.

http://www.latimes.com/health/sc-biz...,5339377.story

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**Disclaimer: For the purpose of this National health plan debate, birth control is used primarily for the prevention of pregnancy. We know there are women and girls (I won't rant about that) who use birth control for the prevention of, and to address, other conditions.**

If health and health plans are about prevention, it makes sense that there may be free services for immunizations, cancer screenings, and other services including BIRTH CONTROL. Planned Parenthood and college/university student health services do not cover the majority of the female population in the United States.

What say you, GC?

AlwaysSAI · #2 07-20-2011, 09:33 AM

I know when I was in college, the student health center would perform my yearly physical for a lower fee and because it wasn't covered by the health insurance my parents had-it was cheaper. However, one year, it was absolutely traumatizing and maybe that's TMI, but it was just baaaaaad.

On the other point--free birth control=

agzg · #3 07-20-2011, 09:44 AM

I think there will be a shit storm, but I hope the HHS takes the recommendation.

Also, I hope that those who are trying to repeal the healthcare law fail (even though the healthcare law is severely flawed).

Drolefille · #4 07-20-2011, 09:49 AM

I am pro this.

Benzgirl · #5 07-20-2011, 10:01 AM

Finally!

Jill1228 · #6 07-20-2011, 10:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Drolefille

I am pro this.

DrPhil · #7 07-20-2011, 11:26 AM

Jinx/

Tomorrow at 8:00am Elizabeth Hasselback will be on Good Morning America discussing how early is too early to put your daughter on birth control.

/Jinx

33girl · #8 07-20-2011, 11:41 AM

As long as the range really is "broad." I don't care what the doctors say - the "same" pill from different manufacturers is not the same pill, and I would hate if women were all just given the same thing whether it suited them or not. Plus, there are women whose physical makeup doesn't make them good candidates for The Pill - ANY forumulation of it.

AOII Angel · #9 07-20-2011, 11:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 33girl

As long as the range really is "broad." I don't care what the doctors say - the "same" pill from different manufacturers is not the same pill, and I would hate if women were all just given the same thing whether it suited them or not. Plus, there are women whose physical makeup doesn't make them good candidates for The Pill - ANY forumulation of it.

It would likely just be generics which includes most pill formulations including the one I take which is pretty specialized. The generic just came out last month.

KSig RC · #10 07-20-2011, 01:04 PM

Here's a good example of class/race privilege (and being a stupid guy) - my first thought was "I thought this was already pretty standard?".

Obviously it should be, in places where it isn't already. Ironically, the people most against it will also get riled up about birth rates in the populations they deprive of free contraception.

HannahXO · #11 07-20-2011, 01:11 PM

Meh. Mine doesn't have a generic yet, and I tried 7 pills before I found this one that didn't mess me up too badly. I also went on it for other health reasons long ago. But with my insurance, it's only $10 a month, so I can't complain too much. And if my ovaries weren't so uncooperative I could also get the free pill from student health.

On the whole, however, I think this is a really good idea.

AOII Angel · #12 07-20-2011, 01:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HannahXO

Meh. Mine doesn't have a generic yet, and I tried 7 pills before I found this one that didn't mess me up too badly. I also went on it for other health reasons long ago. But with my insurance, it's only $10 a month, so I can't complain too much. And if my ovaries weren't so uncooperative I could also get the free pill from student health.

On the whole, however, I think this is a really good idea.

That's good. Just give it time. Usually takes about two to three years for a generic to come out. My problem now is getting my pharmacy to stop sending mine to me. I'm on automatic refill, and I've asked twice to stop refilling them because I am 8 months ahead!

They fill them every two weeks.

KSUViolet06 · #13 07-20-2011, 01:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KSig RC

Here's a good example of class/race privilege (and being a stupid guy) - my first thought was "I thought this was already pretty standard?".

Obviously it should be, in places where it isn't already. Ironically, the people most against it will also get riled up about birth rates in the populations they deprive of free contraception.

Funny how that works.

preciousjeni · #14 07-20-2011, 02:07 PM

I'm completely in favor.

angels&angles · #15 07-20-2011, 02:21 PM

This would be amazing. Without Insurance my seasonique pack (which is for three months) was running me $180! So the choices were pay through the butt, or risk having children (that I can't afford, nor do I want). Ugh. Thank god for Planned Parenthood that would give me free sample packs every three months, and for universal healthcare letting me get back on my parents insurance and buy me a few more years.