As the number of uninsured rises, now more than ever, Planned Parenthood provides needed services
June 15, 2009 10:19:39
by Erin
Web Correspondent
Planned Parenthood Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota Action Fund
Recently, the national unemployment rate reportedly hit 9.4%, the highest figure in over 25 years. A daunting number in and of itself, the effects of unemployment are incalculable as of yet, but are felt acutely by those who are losing their health care coverage and falling into the category of ‘the uninsured’. The American health care system has been employer based for decades, ensuring the affordability of even basic coverage guaranteed through an employer’s company or business, with only a relatively small number of people eligible for Federal or State programs receiving any sort of comprehensive public aid. As unemployment rates increase, the number of uninsured individuals and families also follows and now, more than ever, health care providers such as Planned Parenthood are needed to supplement reproductive health care and family planning as people find themselves increasingly without private health insurance.
Not surprisingly, Planned Parenthood (PPMNS) has seen the effects for those uninsured due to job loss or prospective job loss. According to Kathi Di Nicola, PPMNS Director of Media Relations, Planned Parenthood has seen a 51% increase in long-term birth control use such as IUDs and Depo-Provera, methods that can last from 3 months up to 10 years. This indicates that women are planning ahead and ensuring that they will have more long-term solutions to their contraceptive needs rather than deciding month to month how they will afford the pill. The most interesting and perhaps most indicative effect of the employment and insurance conundrum is the increase in returning clientele. Women who relied on Planned Parenthood in their early 20’s are returning again as patients once they have lost their jobs, and thus their regular insurance. The need for Planned Parenthood’s services and low-cost solutions to medical needs is obviously increasing and will continue to increase until a solution has been resolved on health care reform on a national level.
Until then, Planned Parenthood will continue to be a community provider of accessible reproductive health care for Minnesota men and women.
In light of our current economic problems and health care insecurities, Planned Parenthood’s funding and ability to continue providing services and programs such as 4NOW (which makes birth control affordable and free for uninsured women) are incredibly important. Watch this blog for more information on the upcoming budget hurdles for Minnesota and family planning programs.
Trackback: http://www.plannedparenthoodadvocate.org/trackback/623/KllKF2UI/
