About Careers Internship MedBlog Contact us
Medindia LOGIN REGISTER
Advertisement

Mandated Coverage of Birth Control in Health Plans Supported by More Than Two Thirds of Americans

by Dr. Enozia Vakil on April 23, 2014 at 8:28 PM
 Mandated Coverage of Birth Control in Health Plans Supported by More Than Two Thirds of Americans

Mandated coverage of birth control medications in health plans has been supported by nearly 7 in 10 Americans in terms of survey conducted by researchers

Women, blacks, Hispanics, parents with children under the age of 18 at home, and adults with private or public insurance were significantly more likely than other adults to support universal coverage of birth control medications, according to the findings that appear in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA).

Advertisement

Individuals from all 50 states and the District of Columbia were surveyed about insurance coverage for multiple health services, including mammograms, colonoscopies, dental care, mental health services, screening tests for diabetes and high cholesterol, vaccines, and birth control medications. The new data come as the Affordable Care Act's contraceptive coverage mandate is challenged in a closely watched Supreme Court case.

"There is an ongoing national debate about contraceptive coverage requirements in private health plans in the U.S.," says lead author Michelle Moniz, M.D., an OB/GYN and researcher at the University of Michigan Medical School and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation clinical scholar.
Advertisement

"Our study found that 69 percent of U.S. adults support requiring coverage of birth control in health plans. This indicates that the majority view in the United States is that coverage for contraceptives should be required."

Support for mandated coverage was even higher for other medical services that Moniz and her colleagues asked about. Public support for required coverage was highest for mammograms and colonoscopies (85%), followed by recommended vaccinations (84%), screening tests for diabetes and high cholesterol (82%), mental health care (77%), and dental care (75%).

A small group of adults (less than 10 percent) supported requirements for all services except contraceptives. This group included a significantly higher proportion of men, adults over the age of 60 and individuals without children in the household.

The survey was based on a representative sample of the U.S. population, using the KnowledgePanel through a partnership with GfK Custom Research North America. Participants were not asked about their political or religious affiliations.

"In this study, women, blacks, and Hispanics were more likely to support coverage of birth control medications than were men, older individuals and adults without children in the home. In other words, support is higher among individuals who may be more likely to directly benefit from affordable birth control," says Moniz, who is also a member of U-M's Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation. "Understanding public views on this issue is vitally important to medical and public health efforts to reduce unplanned pregnancy in the U.S."

"This isn't only a women's health issue. It's an issue that is also important to families and communities," Moniz adds. "Our findings suggest that a policy requiring all health insurance plans to cover birth control medications is consistent with the beliefs of the majority of Americans."



Source: Eurekalert
Font : A-A+

Advertisement

Advertisement
Advertisement

Recommended Readings

Latest Lifestyle and Wellness News

Work Breaks - Need of the Hour to Counteract Prolonged Sitting
Prolonged sitting among office goers, pose risk of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, hypertension, and certain types of cancers.
Fear of Garlic Bad Breath? Try Deodorizing Effect of Yogurt
Yogurt's protein and fat content demonstrated its unidentified deodorizing properties against garlic's pungent odor.
Smoking Tobacco and Cannabis Tied to Depression Risk
People who smoke tobacco and cannabis have an increased risk of depression and anxiety than those who use either substance alone or not at all.
Prevent Cognitive Decline in High-Activity Jobs
Research reveals the association between cognitive impairment and physically demanding careers, emphasizing the need for preventative strategies.
Physical Activity's Importance in Combating Sedentary Lifestyle
Excessive and protracted sedentary mode of life can result in cardiovascular problems, loss of muscle mass, increased body fat, and more.
View All
This site uses cookies to deliver our services.By using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and understand our Cookie Policy, Privacy Policy, and our Terms of Use  Ok, Got it. Close
MediBotMediBot
Greetings! How can I assist you?MediBot
×

Mandated Coverage of Birth Control in Health Plans Supported by More Than Two Thirds of Americans Personalised Printable Document (PDF)

Please complete this form and we'll send you a personalised information that is requested

You may use this for your own reference or forward it to your friends.

Please use the information prudently. If you are not a medical doctor please remember to consult your healthcare provider as this information is not a substitute for professional advice.

Name *

Email Address *

Country *

Areas of Interests