Women and the Health Care Crisis: Unique Needs and Special Challenges

Background:Women have distinct health care needs, and though health insurance is a critical factor in making health care accessible, they also face unique barriers to obtaining coverage that is affordable.

Objective: To describe women's unique role in the current health care system and the potential impact of health care reform on women.

Methods: We use 2004-2006 national survey data on women's health coverage, use, and barriers to health care access. We also present data from ongoing monitoring of various health reform efforts at the national and state levels, and our analyses of how reforms would impact women in the target population.

Results: Women are more likely than men to require health care throughout their lives, including regular visits to reproductive health care providers. Many women are uninsured, and many who do have health insurance have insufficient levels of coverage. Women spend more on out-of-pocket health care costs and are more likely to avoid necessary care because of cost. Federal and state policymakers have the opportunity to address these barriers through health reform, but some reform proposals would do little to help women secure adequate and affordable health coverage and some have the potential to actually harm women's health.

Discussion: To address the unique health care challenges that women face, plans for health reform must create opportunities for women to obtain meaningful health insurance. Reforms that provide the most comprehensive benefits at the most affordable cost will go the farthest to improve women's health and financial security.