Publish Date: December 27, 2024
Type: Testimony and Comments, Comment Letter
Topics: Language Access, Health Care Access, Public Health, Health Disparities, Reproductive Health
Ethnicity:
Language: English
State:
APIAHF submitted comments on the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Treasury’s (collectively, the Departments) proposed rules entitled “Enhancing Coverage of Preventive Services under the Affordable Care Act” to support the Departments’ proposed rules, which would expand access to coverage of preventative services, including reducing barriers to coverage of contraceptive services.
The proposed changes are especially important as many AA and NHPI women face significant cultural or language barriers to seeking formal healthcare or who may have concerns about the stigma associated with visiting a clinic or pharmacy to discuss their reproductive health and contraceptives. APIAHF urged the Departments to consider the diverse needs of racial and ethnic communities, including factors of immigration status and language proficiency, in their implementation of these rules.
Expanding access to contraceptive services, particularly over-the-counter options, without cost-sharing is a vital step toward addressing systemic barriers to healthcare for AA and NHPI women. This rule change can help reduce health disparities and empower women to retain more control over their reproductive health.