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maleficent · 08-06-2004, 10:12 PM

In the September issue of Fitness magazine (which I picked up tonite because it's got lots of good stuff on destressing and such) it had a very informative article on laws that are in palce to protect your health.

Now, sorry non -US Citizens, it only applies to US laws

1. Your insurer should pay for birth control pills.
The Decision: Erickson v Bartell Drug Company
The Benefit: A landmark court case ruled that excluding birth control pills from an otherwise comprehensive prescription plan constituted sex discrimination. The case established a legal precedent that women have successfully used to get teir employers to include contraceptives in their prescription drug benefit.
For More Info: The National Women's Law Center guide to "Contraceptive Equality Laws in your State: Know your Rights, Use Your rights" explains what to do if your insurance company doesn't cover the pill.
Website: http://www.nwlc.org/pill4us/

2. Cervical and Breast Cancer screenings and treatments are guarenteed.
The Law: The Breast Cancer and Cervical Cancer Prevention and Treatment Act
The Benefit: This makes breast and cervical cancer screenings and treatment more accessible. Both of these potentially fatal cancers are highly treatable if detected early. However many low and moderate income women have no health insurance and make too much money to qualify for medicaid. As a result, they don't get screenings.
To qualify for free treatment, women must first be diagnosed at a medical provider that participates in this program. The law has been adapted in all 50 states.
Website to find a clinic: www.cdc.gov/cancer/nbccedp/contacts.htm

3. Breast Reconstruction after a Mastectomy is your right.
The Law: The Women's Health and Cancer Rights Act
The Benefit: If a health insurance plan covers mastectomy, it must also pay for the post surgical care, including breast reconstruction and treatment for such complications as painful swelling around the armpits and lymph nodes.
For More Info: US Dept of Labor Website. http:\\www.dol.gov/ebsa/publcations/wherea.html

4. New moms can stay in the hospital as long as necessary.
The Law: Newborn's and Mother's Health Protection Act
The Benefit: Group health plans that offer maternity coverage must pay for a minimum two day hospital stay following childbirth and at least four days if the delivery was via a C-Section. Health Plans are not allowed to offer rebates to mothers for accepting shorter stays, provide incentives, impose penalties or reduce reimbursement amounts to encourage doctors to prescribe quick stays.
For More Info: US Dept of Labor Website. http:\\www.dol.gov/dol/topic/health-plans/newborns.html

I'm tired of typing right now, I'll get the other 8 in tomorrow.

I thought this was great info, cause I wasn't aware of it, and thought I'd share.

08-06-2004, 10:12 PM	#1 (permalink)
maleficent Junkie Moderator Emeritus Location: Chicago	Laws that protect your health In the September issue of Fitness magazine (which I picked up tonite because it's got lots of good stuff on destressing and such) it had a very informative article on laws that are in palce to protect your health. Now, sorry non -US Citizens, it only applies to US laws 1. Your insurer should pay for birth control pills. The Decision: Erickson v Bartell Drug Company The Benefit: A landmark court case ruled that excluding birth control pills from an otherwise comprehensive prescription plan constituted sex discrimination. The case established a legal precedent that women have successfully used to get teir employers to include contraceptives in their prescription drug benefit. For More Info: The National Women's Law Center guide to "Contraceptive Equality Laws in your State: Know your Rights, Use Your rights" explains what to do if your insurance company doesn't cover the pill. Website: http://www.nwlc.org/pill4us/ 2. Cervical and Breast Cancer screenings and treatments are guarenteed. The Law: The Breast Cancer and Cervical Cancer Prevention and Treatment Act The Benefit: This makes breast and cervical cancer screenings and treatment more accessible. Both of these potentially fatal cancers are highly treatable if detected early. However many low and moderate income women have no health insurance and make too much money to qualify for medicaid. As a result, they don't get screenings. To qualify for free treatment, women must first be diagnosed at a medical provider that participates in this program. The law has been adapted in all 50 states. Website to find a clinic: www.cdc.gov/cancer/nbccedp/contacts.htm 3. Breast Reconstruction after a Mastectomy is your right. The Law: The Women's Health and Cancer Rights Act The Benefit: If a health insurance plan covers mastectomy, it must also pay for the post surgical care, including breast reconstruction and treatment for such complications as painful swelling around the armpits and lymph nodes. For More Info: US Dept of Labor Website. http:\\www.dol.gov/ebsa/publcations/wherea.html 4. New moms can stay in the hospital as long as necessary. The Law: Newborn's and Mother's Health Protection Act The Benefit: Group health plans that offer maternity coverage must pay for a minimum two day hospital stay following childbirth and at least four days if the delivery was via a C-Section. Health Plans are not allowed to offer rebates to mothers for accepting shorter stays, provide incentives, impose penalties or reduce reimbursement amounts to encourage doctors to prescribe quick stays. For More Info: US Dept of Labor Website. http:\\www.dol.gov/dol/topic/health-plans/newborns.html I'm tired of typing right now, I'll get the other 8 in tomorrow. I thought this was great info, cause I wasn't aware of it, and thought I'd share. __________________ Free your heart from hatred. Free your mind from worries. Live simply. Give more. Expect less. Last edited by maleficent; 08-10-2004 at 05:52 AM..