Policy Updates

Springtime: Hope Helps, But It’s Not Enough

By Cindy Pearson | May 1, 2013 | Comments Off on Springtime: Hope Helps, But It’s Not Enough

“Hope springs eternal.” I always wondered exactly what was meant by that old saying. Does it mean that hope is like spring — it always comes back? Or, maybe it reflects the positive impact we feel when we see the promise of the natural world flourish anew in springtime.

Get Ready for No Co-Pays!

By NWHN Staff | Mar 1, 2013 | Comments Off on Get Ready for No Co-Pays!

January 1, 2013, marked a new day in preventive health services coverage for many women! The Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires that all new private insurance plans cover key women’s preventive health services without additional costs like co-pays. This rule applies to new plans, as well as to on-going insurance plans’ new coverage periods.

NWHN Educates College Students About New Health Care Benefits

By NWHN Staff | Jan 1, 2013 | Comments Off on NWHN Educates College Students About New Health Care Benefits

College students were among the first to benefit from the new health care law’s no co-pay coverage of contraception and other women’s preventive health services. As of August 1, 2012, all new health insurance plans must cover key women’s preventive health care services — including contraception and HIV counseling and testing — without imposing additional costs like co-pays.

Saying Thank You and Asking for More

By Cindy Pearson | Jan 1, 2013 | Comments Off on Saying Thank You and Asking for More

Shortly before the end of 2012, in one whirlwind 24-hour period, I got a chance to talk to both President Obama and to Kathleen Sebelius, the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Both of these opportunities came during holiday parties: one at the White House and one in HHS’s D.C. headquarters.

The Network Recognized by the National Breast Cancer Coalition

By NWHN Staff | Jul 1, 2012 | Comments Off on The Network Recognized by the National Breast Cancer Coalition

We are thrilled that the National Breast Cancer Coalition (NBCC) recently honored the Network with its Grassroots Activism Award for our success in reducing the incidence of breast cancer! The Network’s longtime advocacy — including our members’ and supporters’ activism —challenged the widespread use of hormone therapy and led to this important accomplishment.

Medicaid Coverage of Plan B Over the Counter: New York State’s Experience

By NWHN Staff | May 1, 2009 | Comments Off on Medicaid Coverage of Plan B Over the Counter: New York State’s Experience

Advocates fought for years to make emergency contraception available over-the-counter so that women could have convenient and timely access to this contraceptive option when they needed it. But removing the prescription requirement created a new barrier for some women.