Free contraception under health care law starts today
By: Rachel Polansky
Updated: August 1, 2012
Today is a big day for some women and birth control. Under President
Obama's Health Care Reforms - private insurance companies have to start
providing contraception for free starting today. Eyewitness News
reporter Rachel Polansky spoke with area community members.
Today is a game changer for women and health care all around the nation. With free contraception, wellness checks and breast cancer screenings - it's a hot topic that has our community speaking up.
"I think it's wonderful and it's way overdue," says Christine Tillman, Utica resident.
"A lot of women can't afford it, or have a hard time trying to get it. I think it will be helpful," says Misty Pula, Ilion resident.
It's the most controversial of the 8 new rules to kick in under president Obama's Health Care Reform law - but some community members say you can never please everyone.
"There's always gonna be taxes people aren't gonna be happy and still have to pay. But it's about helping the community, it's not just about helping 1 person," says Dillman.
"Especially for women aged 50-65 until emdicare kicks in when theyre 65," says Caroline Eychner.
Most community members i spoke with today are happy to hear the news but some religious organizations say it's a violation of their freedoms.
"Because it's imposing a tax upon the church to pay for something it does not believe in," says Pastor John Mikalaiunas, Holy Trinity Church in Utica.
Of the new rules that kick in today, religious and conservative groups are most upset about the contraceptive requirement for employers who offer insurance.
"Every person is endowed life, liberty and pursuit of happiness. This is taking away my happiness, it's taking away my liberty and it's a question that lies with basic freedoms and this is an imposition," says Mikalaiunas.
The new plan will provide women free screenings for things like cancer, STDs and even domestic violence - Dillman thinks it will encourage women to attend doctors regularly.
"The health care cost is tremendous and i believe that's a lot of reason women don't have their mammograms or their yearly exams. And it's happening at a younger age to, it's not just older individuals - so under this proposal, it's gonna help. It's got too," says Dillman.
Now the new law is already being challenged in court. Some say it violates religious freedom and separation of church and state, while others disagree. Whatever your stance, the U.S Health and Human Services Department estimates that 47 million women, aged 15 to 64, will be affected by the new law.
Today is a game changer for women and health care all around the nation. With free contraception, wellness checks and breast cancer screenings - it's a hot topic that has our community speaking up.
"I think it's wonderful and it's way overdue," says Christine Tillman, Utica resident.
"A lot of women can't afford it, or have a hard time trying to get it. I think it will be helpful," says Misty Pula, Ilion resident.
It's the most controversial of the 8 new rules to kick in under president Obama's Health Care Reform law - but some community members say you can never please everyone.
"There's always gonna be taxes people aren't gonna be happy and still have to pay. But it's about helping the community, it's not just about helping 1 person," says Dillman.
"Especially for women aged 50-65 until emdicare kicks in when theyre 65," says Caroline Eychner.
Most community members i spoke with today are happy to hear the news but some religious organizations say it's a violation of their freedoms.
"Because it's imposing a tax upon the church to pay for something it does not believe in," says Pastor John Mikalaiunas, Holy Trinity Church in Utica.
Of the new rules that kick in today, religious and conservative groups are most upset about the contraceptive requirement for employers who offer insurance.
"Every person is endowed life, liberty and pursuit of happiness. This is taking away my happiness, it's taking away my liberty and it's a question that lies with basic freedoms and this is an imposition," says Mikalaiunas.
The new plan will provide women free screenings for things like cancer, STDs and even domestic violence - Dillman thinks it will encourage women to attend doctors regularly.
"The health care cost is tremendous and i believe that's a lot of reason women don't have their mammograms or their yearly exams. And it's happening at a younger age to, it's not just older individuals - so under this proposal, it's gonna help. It's got too," says Dillman.
Now the new law is already being challenged in court. Some say it violates religious freedom and separation of church and state, while others disagree. Whatever your stance, the U.S Health and Human Services Department estimates that 47 million women, aged 15 to 64, will be affected by the new law.
