How Are Women Faring Under the Affordable Care Act?

Reports indicate that the Affordable Care Act (ACA) has improved access to health insurance, particularly in states that expanded Medicaid eligibility up to 138% of poverty level (“Medicaid expansion”). How has this affected the coverage of reproductive-age women?

In one study, a national sample of 4593 women (age range, 18–39) was surveyed in 2012 (before ACA implementation); a second sample of 3407 was queried in 2015. Participants were women at risk for pregnancy (history of vaginal intercourse with a male, nonpregnant, no sterilization of self or partner). The proportion of currently uninsured women dropped from 18.9% in 2012 to 11.5% in 2015 due to increases in both private insurance and Medicaid. Among women in Medicaid expansion state…