In Goddess We Trust

Very glad that CJ Roberts saw fit to do his job in a non partisan manner today. The health care ruling by the SCOTUS is being hailed as a victory for the people, as it should be. It is particularly sweet for American women, whose rights have been under non stop attack by the Rethuglicans. ( A pretty horrifying state by state legislative list  here.) 
A welcome respite from the relentless misogyny (see above list)  begins today with this decision.  From the Huffington Post: 

"Beginning in August, woman of all income brackets will be able to obtain contraception, annual well-woman visits, screenings for sexually transmitted infections and gestational diabetes, breastfeeding support and supplies, and domestic violence screenings without any co-pays or deductibles."

Some specific things that the ACA will do for womens' health:

Being a woman is no longer a "pre existing condition." Yes! Women were denied coverage for just being women before the Affordable Care Act became law.

Insurance companies can't charge you more for being a woman either. Before the Affordable Care Act was law, women were sometimes charged up to 150% more than men of the same age.

Breast cancer screenings, cervical cancer screenings, domestic violence counseling and screenings and a whole bunch of other preventive care measures must be covered by insurance companies.

Birth control is now covered by health insurance.

Children can stay on their parents' health insurance until they're 26 years old. And if you want to have kids, the law will help you get pre-natal care and counseling and help with breast feeding and supplies too.

AND: important benefits for everyone:
Insurance companies can't take away your coverage if you become too sick.

You cannot be denied insurance coverage because of a pre-existing condition.

Seniors receive a 50 percent discount on prescription drugs when they hit the "donut hole." Especially crucial for senior women, who are the largest population receiving Medicare.

Small businesses get tax credits to purchase insurance.

There are no more lifetime limits on your coverage.

15 million more people will receive coverage because of expanded access to Medicaid.

Millions of Americans are going to receive tax credits to help them get insurance--people who wouldn't be able to afford it otherwise.

12 million seniors are currently receiving free preventative care through Medicare.


No, it's not single payer and it's not perfect. It IS a step in the right direction and it reaffirms my slender hope that sanity may yet rule the day.  Ladies: remember this day. Come November,
don't forget who's got your back, and reciprocate.