HEALTH

Medicare's Missing Piece: Why Contraceptive Coverage Lags for Women with Disabilities

USAWed Jun 25 2025
Medicare supports many women, but it's missing something big. It helps over a million women of childbearing age who live with disabilities. Yet, it's the only major health insurance in the US that doesn't have to cover birth control. This is a problem. Other health plans must cover contraceptives. But Medicare doesn't. This leaves many women without easy access to birth control. Why does this matter? Well, birth control does more than prevent pregnancy. It can also help with health issues. Without coverage, women may struggle to afford it. This can lead to bigger health problems down the line. Some women may not know about this gap. Others might not know where to turn for help. This is a big deal. It affects their health and their lives. So, why isn't Medicare required to cover birth control? It's a question worth asking. And it's one that needs an answer.

questions

    How might the lack of contraceptive coverage in Medicare affect the overall healthcare costs for women with disabilities?
    How do other countries' healthcare systems address contraceptive coverage for individuals with disabilities?
    How can data on contraceptive use and healthcare outcomes be used to advocate for policy changes in Medicare?

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