Rangel: Honoring Women by Protecting their Health
Statement
Congressman Charles B. Rangel released the following statement in recognition of National Women's Health Week (May 13-19) and National Women's Checkup Day (May 14):
"Women help provide the bedrock for America's families and communities, and their health is a top priority for our nation. During National Women's Health Week we reaffirm our commitment to providing affordable healthcare for women and making sure insurance companies cannot consider being a woman a 'pre-existing condition.'
I am deeply proud to have sponsored the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which gives women control over their healthcare decisions while expanding their healthcare rights. The ACA prevents insurance companies from denying coverage to women for pre-existing medical conditions such as cancer or diabetes. Starting in 2014, insurance companies will no longer be permitted to discriminate against women with pre-existing conditions or to charge women higher premiums than they charge men.
Because of this monumental legislation, women can choose their own doctor from any primary care provider, OB-GYN, or pediatrician in their health plan's network without a referral when they join new health plans. This law also creates new insurance exchanges that expand preventative care and basic health services for women, including maternity care, well-women visits, mammograms, and pap smears. This Monday marks National Women's Check-Up Day, which serves as reminder that women should schedule a visit with their doctor to discuss which screening tests they need. Many of these tests will be free thanks to the ACA.
During National Women's Health Week, I encourage all women to take steps to protect their health so they can live longer and healthier lives."
To learn more about National Women's Health Week and to find a National Women's Health Week event in your community, visit www.womenshealth.gov/whw.
To find information on free screenings for women in Harlem, visit www.gethealthyharlem.org.
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