by Lauren Mandel
In celebration of Women’s Equality Day on August 26, we’re excited to work with our partner, YWCA Metropolitan Chicago, to raise awareness for the importance of women’s health. While women have faced various health challenges throughout history, the Affordable Care Act has been a fierce advocate for women’s health care over the past few years.
Open Enrollment under the health care law begins again on November 1, and all women are encouraged to evaluate their current and future health care needs in preparation. To celebrate Women’s Equality Day, we’ve outlined 4 of the most important tips you can consider before enrolling in health insurance this fall.
Remember what’s covered under the Affordable Care Act.
Let’s not forget all that the Affordable Care Act has done for women in just a few short years: insurers are now required to cover birth control, maternity and newborn care are covered as essential health benefits, and all women now have access to covered mammograms. And those are just a few of the benefits for women under the Affordable Care Act.
It’s also important to remember that you cannot be denied or charged more for coverage if you have a pre-existing condition. So if you’ve been denied in the past, now is the time to get the coverage you deserve.
Review your current and future health care needs.
Before getting health insurance, it’s important to consider what you need from the plan you select. Do you need extensive coverage for an illness? Are you looking for basic coverage to help you afford regular doctor visits? Do you have plans to expand your family in the near future? All of these and more are things to consider when looking for health insurance.
Even if you have health insurance from last year, you may benefit from reviewing your plan this year. Maybe you’ve developed a recent health condition that needs more comprehensive coverage, or perhaps you’re taking a new prescription drug not covered by your current plan. No matter your situation, it’s always important to evaluate what you need now and in the future.
Consider the needs of everyone in your family.
While many people are looking for a plan only for themselves, other shoppers need coverage for their entire family. If your spouse and children also need health coverage, there are family plan options that might make sense for your situation. Licensed agents are available to help you make the best decision for your family.
Prepare to enroll in coverage.
While November 1 might seem like long time from now, it will be here before you know it. The last thing you want is to be unprepared when Open Enrollment arrives and you can finally shop for new coverage. By taking the steps above for Women’s Equality Day and preparing to find a plan now, you’ll be that much more prepared when the shopping seasons begins.