Numerous studies have shown that women make less money than men — an average of 80ยข for every $1 earned by men in similar jobs, according to the Federal Government’s General Accountability Office.
Now a new study has pointed to a challenge facing women: affording healthcare.
A study conducted by the National Women’s Law Center and released by the Commonwealth Fund finds that women with health insurance are more likely than men to go without healthcare because of costs.
The report shows that 38% of women struggle with medical bills — compared with 29% of men. 33% of insured women and 68% of uninsured women don’t get needed health care because they can’t afford it. The corresponding figures for men are 23% and 49%.
The gap in pay scales are closing, but the health insurance gap is increasing at an alarming rate. Though President Bush has pushed for legislation to increase health insurance tax credits, it’s unknown whether those credits will specifically address the disparities in health insurance between women and men.
The number of uninsured people in the country continues to go, and currently stands at approximately 44 million. How do women fair in those numbers? And which insurance plans offer the best rates for women?
There is a constant push to change perceptions about elderly care and reform of the care of senior citizens in this country. How about an equal push on rethinking the affordability of health insurance coverage for women?
You can download a PDF copy of the report mentioned above at: http://www.nwlc.org/pdf/NWLCHealthInsuranceIssueBrief2007.pdf