6 Things We Should Demand From Healthcare Coverage

Women are significantly more likely than men to live with depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and anxiety. Half of women experience at least one traumatic event in their lifetime: For example, one in five has reported being raped.

The ACA currently requires all new individual and small-group plans to provide coverage for mental health services. Yes, there's plenty of room for improvement—for instance, many clinicians don't accept insurance, partly because reimbursements are low relative to the time it takes to provide therapy. But from the ACA's perspective, seeking therapy for depression is as valid as seeing an ENT for an ear infection. Families struggling with substance abuse no longer have to choose between receiving inpatient treatment and, say, keeping their homes. Services for those who suffer from PTSD or sexual abuse are more affordable for more women. These protections have become increasingly vulnerable in the current debate.