Countdown to coverage: A campaign to increase understanding of the health reform law among women

Countdown to Coverage is a campaign to help women understand the concrete ways that the Affordable Care Act is making health care better, fairer and more secure for women. Even many supporters of health reform don't really know what it does, and research shows that support goes up dramatically when people – especially women -- learn about the services and protections the law gives. 2012 is a critical year for women's health care because the requirement that insurance companies cover women's preventive care without extra charges takes effect, giving more and more women will gain new access to affordable preventive health care. The Countdown to Coverage campaign is creating a sense of momentum by recognizing today's gains and anticipating what's to come. The law is making cancer screenings affordable by eliminating co-pays; ending unfair insurance denials by telling insurance companies they can't deny coverage to our children or any of us because of pre-existing conditions; stopping discrimination by telling insurance companies they can no longer charge women higher prices than men; and guaranteeing coverage for prenatal and maternity care. Countdown to Coverage takes health reform out of the political frame and helps women understand the value that the law has for us as consumers of health care. The campaign features women – of all ages and economic backgrounds – telling their own stories about how the Affordable Care Act improves their access to quality, affordable health care.