Yesterday, the federal government heralded the Affordable Care Act and how it helps women. They touted the fact that, “20.4 million women with private health insurance gained expanded preventive services with no cost-sharing in 2011, including mammograms, cervical cancer screenings, prenatal care, flu and pneumonia shots, and regular well-baby and well-child visits.” They trumpeted the fact that, “… 8.7 million American women currently purchasing individual insurance will gain coverage for maternity services.”
Better healthcare for women is a great thing, but here’s what I want to know: What about the mothers with postpartum depression? What about postpartum depression screening?
Section 2952 of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, enacted two years ago, called for more research into PPD screening, increased awareness for postpartum depression and better services for women who have it. Where are those things? When might they be coming? Why has no money been appropriated?
I read the brief that was released this week, entitled The Affordable Care Act and Women. It lauds the legislation’s sections 1001, 1401, 1421, 2001, 2401, 2404, 3509, 4104, 4201. I didn’t see anything about section 2952. I care about those other sections, I truly do. But it’s my job to care most about section 2952. I really, really need to see action on 2952. I want to work with the federal government to get 2952 off the ground.
WE NEED 2952.
Are you with me? Do you care about 2952? Are you wondering why more isn’t done?
I'm with you!
I'm WITH YOU!
The government trying to manhandle it all rarely works out very well, in my opinion. This is where I feel private organizations can step up to the plate.
This is definitely alarming. I really thought that PP mood disorders were getting so much more attention these days.
When I read all the hoopla in the news the past couple of days re: the Affordable Care Act and how it has benefited women, I instantly thought the same thing as you, Katherine…like, what about the section about PPD? Whatever happened to that? Nothing, Notta. Zilch. Can we create a petition on Change.org for this? Thoughts?
I love this idea. I've no idea how to write a petition like this or who to target but if one did get started, I would sign it in a heartbeat , blog about it, Tweet it, FB the heck out of it, email it, etc.
It's so frustrating to see that this is not being made more of a priority.
I would sign it.
I'm with you, sadly our family is in a postion where what things cost is big factor in decision making, if its not covered, I will think twice about getting help. Mood disorders require long term care so its a bigger deal than a one time visit.
I'm with you too!
We need s. 2952 at full implementation, absolutely. I join you in calling upon policy makers to champion healthy mothers. Resolving PPD is essential for strong healthy children who are ready to learn and family economic self-sufficiency. The huge return on the small investment in PPD programs is profound.
I am with you!!!!!
I am with you!
In Canada we don't have to worry about this thank the stars but I find it ridiculous that the US has such a hard time incorporating this.
Keep fighting ladies!! You deserve this!!