Cost of Women Health Services in America

America is amongst the list of countries where the quality of healthcare services is poor. Additionally, the cost of healthcare in the US is quite a concerning element. Especially the cost of women’s health services in America is insane. It is observed that women utilize the system of healthcare in America more than men do. Additionally, the connection of women with healthcare is quite strong. Women play a variety of roles in the healthcare industry. There are more women healthcare representatives and caregivers as compared to men. Additionally, even at home, the females play the role of decision-maker when it comes to taking care of their family’s health and wellbeing. Woes are an active part of social communities and healthcare groups. So, to say that women are a key figure in the healthcare system of America would not be an exaggeration.

Women are often deprived of standard and quality healthcare in America because they are unable to pay the hefty fee and other expenses that come with healthcare. Women have way low income as compared to their male counterparts. They tend to suffer from a lot more chronic illnesses than men do. Additionally, maternal healthcare, pregnancy, childbirth, etc. are just some of the few health concerns women are mandatory to go through. The expenses of childbirth are way higher in America as compared to the other countries. And in case you go through some complications while pregnant, it can cost you a fortune. Women are at a higher risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, back problems, muscle aches, and much more. A study found that 1 in 5 American women reported having at least two or more than two chronic illnesses. The most common ones included diabetes, asthma, cancer, heart disease, and high blood pressure. That is double the number that was reported by women in other well-developed countries.

Additionally, the reproductive needs of women need special care as well. So all in all, women need access to healthcare services way more than men do. But, it is depressing to see that women’s healthcare needs are brutally ignored in the US. And there is no reconsideration carried out on the high cost and expenses of Women’s healthcare services in America. The women in America are less likely to be healthy and more likely to pass away during childbirth. Additionally, the mental health issues and emotional distress is also exceptionally amplified in them.

According to recent research, more than forty percent of American women were enforced to relinquish medical care just because they either were combating poverty or didn’t have the resources to prioritize their health. Women regularly avoid the treatment they require, just to remain financially stable. Approximately 1 in 4 women admitted having been postponed or left without treatment owing to costs in 2017. Low and medium-income women are far more likely to cite difficulties with having time away from work, housing, or commuting as excuses for not receiving treatment. In 2020, the estimated total national cost of health care is $456 per person and $1,152 per family monthly. That being said, the expense varies from a diverse range of health plans.

Healthcare insurance and coverage are seen to be the savior of women. But, unfortunately even that is not that effective in many cases. Health insurance provision is a key component in making health services available and open to women in the US. Amongst the 97.3 million women aged 19 to 64 living in the U.S., had one or the other kind of insurance during the year 2019. Even so, disparities between private industry and federally financed services and lack of funds left just more than one in ten women uncovered. That is quite alarming, to say the least.

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) extended affordable health care via a mixture of Medicaid extensions, health insurance regulations, and premium tax credits. This is serving as a savior for women. It lends them the necessary financial support but that doesn’t mean that every woman in America is entitled to receive these services. It takes a lot of extensive investigation and great luck to be able to be selected for this special treatment. But, all in all, it is proving to be a huge blessing for women. Maternity, childbirth, chronic illnesses, etc. are now being treated at a much-subsidized cost. It also covers the matters pertaining to birth control and allowing the women to be able to determine whether they want to start a family; are ready for it or not. In case, they are not financially stable and want to avoid it, they receive proper care to ensure the same. But, it is still not enough. Although the ACA has significantly made things easier for women to avail themselves of healthcare services. But, barriers are still there for the poor and impoverished women who want to have access to the necessary medical facilities and healthcare benefits, especially abortion. Almost one in ten women are still uninsured, which mostly includes women of color as well as low-income women. Partly this is due to the decision of the court to allow the member states to opt-out of covering more people and letting people be insured, as per the states’ choice and preference.

As a final word, it is safe to say that the United States of America is still far behind achieving the dream of having equal and easily accessible healthcare facilities for women. The costs are one of the primary reasons which make the women deprived of standard healthcare facilities. The low-income and below women of color in the US are more prone to getting deprived of healthcare facilities. The key to solving this issue would be to reduce the cost of women’s healthcare services in America. This will make it possible for every woman in the US to have access to quality healthcare services.

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