DeGette Statement on IOM Recommendations to Improve Women's Preventive Care

Press Release

Today, U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette (CO-1) issued the following statement in response to the Institute of Medicine (IOM) report on additional preventive health services that should be covered and provided to women at no cost, under insurance plans created by the Affordable Care Act.

"I applaud the IOM report for taking significant steps towards shifting our health care system from sick care to preventive care, ultimately enabling women to live longer and stay out of hospitals, while saving money for our entire system," said DeGette. "The report's recommendation to fully cover FDA-approved contraceptive methods will make great strides for family planning in this country. By recommending the removal of patient co-pays for contraception and other preventive services, like annual well-care visits and screening for gestational diabetes, the IOM has set the stage to fundamentally transform health care for American women."

Under the health care law passed last year, all new health insurance plans are required to cover certain preventive health care services and provide them at no cost. Through a provision known as the Women's Health Amendment (WHA), the law includes some women's health services as part of preventive care. As such, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) asked the IOM to provide unbiased advice to decision-makers on the additional preventive health services that should be included for American women. Today's report reflects fulfillment of that request.

"I urge Secretary Sebelius and her colleagues to review the IOM's report and move forward with this proposal to improve women's health care, as soon as possible."

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