Health Insurance Reform: Making Real Progress for Women

The health insurance reform debate presents a critical opportunity to improve women's access to quality care. Under our current health insurance system, women are often denied coverage because of "pre-existing conditions" ranging from C-sections and past pregnancies to domestic violence. Women also pay more for health insurance than men. Their basic preventive care -- including mammograms and pap tests -- are often not covered. "The Senate is working on sending the president a reform bill that ensures women are treated fairly, expands coverage, and provides security and stability to people who have health insurance," said Senator Kay Hagan. If health insurance reform is to accomplish the goal of fixing our broken health care system, it must prevent discrimination within the insurance industry and address the specific health needs of women.