New Health Care Benefits for Women Start Today

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO/CNN) — “It’s going to be a blessing,” says Charlene Perry, Columbia. “I think it’s wonderful,” says Tonya Parker, Columbia. Women in Columbia are excited about free health care. “I had a family member that couldn’t afford it before and it was real tough on her,” says Parker. Now, women like Tonya Parker’s family are getting help, thanks to the Affordable Care Act passed by Congress in 2010. “There’s so many that does not have insurance,” says Parker. “I think it’s going to be great for the womens,” says Perry. According to the Department of Heath and Human Services nearly 47 million women will benefit. “A lot of women let their health go because they don’t have health care and all,” says Parker. Tha’s similar to what Health and Human Services Secretary, Kathleen Sebelius said yesterday. “Too often we put our own health last and that’s esecially true when it comes to preventative care,” says Sebelius Granted the celebration was a day ahead of schedule. “We’re here to mark a new day for women’s health in America. Starting tomorrow, thanks to the new health care law, all insurance policies will be required to cover new vital care that women need to stay healthy and they’ll have to cover the care without charging women anything out of pocket,” says Sebelius. Because of the law, the following will be covered: Birth control, breast-feeding supplies, screenings for sexually transmitted infections, counseling for domestic violence, routine check-ups for breast and pelvic exams, pap tests and prenatal care. “The regular check ups and screenings are so important to staying healthy but can be easy to put off,” says Sebelius. It is important to note that not all insured women will have access to the new services. Certain insurance plans that existed before the passage of health care reform may have “grandfathered” status and may be exempt from offering the benefits. If you have questions about your insurance coverage, you can contact you employer to ask whether they are in “grandfathered” health insurance plans.