As discussions continue in Washington, DC, about repealing and replacing the Affordable Care Act, the American Academy of Family Physicians joined forces with four other organizations in sending the following letter to Members of Congress relative the impact on women’s health:
The women of America have an enormous amount at stake as Congress debates the future of health insurance coverage. For seven years, current law has guaranteed women no copay coverage of preventive services and coverage for maternity care. It’s guaranteed that no woman will be charged more for, or denied, coverage because of her gender, because she was the victim of domestic violence, or because she had a previous C-section. Current law has also facilitated expanded Medicaid programs, adopted in 31 states covering 10 million individuals, which offer care coverage to many low-income women and their families.
The undersigned organizations, representing 500,000 physicians, want America’s women to know we’re here for you, and we’re dedicated to protecting these important health care guarantees.
Healthy women are the foundation of our economy and our society. Healthy women give birth to healthier babies, dramatically reducing costs associated with poor birth outcomes. Healthy women can better participate in our economy and our workforce, and can reach higher levels of educational attainment.
Our organizations, with longstanding traditions of patient advocacy, stand together to:
- Ensure women unencumbered access to affordable, evidence-based health care throughout their lifespan
- Oppose political interference in the patient-provider relationship
- Protect and retain current benefits and coverage for women, including preventive care and banning gender rating
- Protect Medicaid coverage and financing, ensuring consistent treatment of qualified providers.
We call on the President and the U.S. Congress to stand with us and for America’s women.
American Academy of Family Physicians
American Academy of Pediatrics
American College of Physicians
American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
American Osteopathic Association