On Fifth Anniversary of ACA, Planned Parenthood Celebrates Gains for Women’s Health

For Immediate Release: March 23, 2015

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Washington D.C. — On the fifth anniversary of the Affordable Care Act’s enactment, Planned Parenthood Federation of America today said that the health care law is the single greatest advance for women’s health in generations. As a result of the law, more than 48 million women have access to lifesaving preventive care, birth control, and other health care with no copay — which directly impacts their economic stability.

Statement from Cecile Richards, President of Planned Parenthood Federation of America:

“The Affordable Care Act is the single biggest advance for women’s health in generations.  And that didn’t happen on its own. It happened thanks to tireless champions in Congress and people across the country that spoke out to ensure women weren’t left behind.

“Now, more women than ever have access to affordable health coverage, and most plans must cover preventive care — including birth control — without a copay. As a result, women are able to take better care of their own health and economic well-being.

“At Planned Parenthood, we know that the health care system only works if it works for everyone. That’s why we fought so hard for the law in the first place and why we’ve been working ever since to ensure all women — no matter where they live or how much money they have — can access affordable health care.”

Planned Parenthood organizations provided information about insurance enrollment and benefits to 3.5 million consumers and helped nearly 230,000 people begin the enrollment process. 

Delma Limones, 22, a college student in Austin, Texas, has health insurance for the first time in four years as a result of the ACA. “Latinos in Texas comprise one of the highest uninsured groups in the nation, but thanks to the ACA, I now have a primary care physician. Health insurance used to feel like a luxury, but with the help of a financial subsidy, the care I need is no longer inaccessible. After I enrolled for my plan with a Planned Parenthood enrollment counselor, I immediately gained a sense of security because I don’t have to choose among rent, educational expenses, or a visit to the doctor anymore. Because of the ACA, I can stay healthy.”

Read more stories of folks who have benefited from the ACA at http://obamacareworks.org/

BACKGROUND

• Thanks to the ACA, an estimated 48.5 million women are now benefiting from new or expanded access to preventive health care, including no-copay birth control.
• Overall, the uninsured rate among women ages 18 to 64 has dropped 5.5 percentage points in the last two years alone.
• Provisions in the ACA guarantee preventive care including birth control, lifesaving cancer screenings, and immunizations are covered without copays.
• Nearly 11.7 million people, including about 6.3 million women, and about 4.1 million people of color, have signed up for health insurance coverage in the Marketplaces for 2015. The vast majority (about 87 percent) of people who signed up in the Marketplace — or about 10 million people — qualified to receive financial assistance to help reduce the costs of health coverage.  Financial help, in the form of premium subsidies or tax credits, has enabled millions of consumers to afford coverage for the first time.  
• Young adults benefit from the ability to stay on a parent’s health care plan under the Affordable Care Act until they are 26 years old.
• The ACA stops insurance abuses such as denying coverage because of pre-existing conditions and dropping individuals after they become sick. Women can no longer be charged more than men for health insurance premiums and people cannot be denied coverage for pre-existing conditions, such as cancer, high blood pressure, or diabetes. 

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Planned Parenthood is the nation’s leading provider and advocate of high-quality, affordable health care for women, men, and young people, as well as the nation’s largest provider of sex education. With more than 700 health centers across the country, Planned Parenthood organizations serve all patients with care and compassion, with respect and without judgment. Through health centers, programs in schools and communities, and online resources, Planned Parenthood is a trusted source of reliable health information that allows people to make informed health decisions. We do all this because we care passionately about helping people lead healthier lives.