Here’s my prediction: Women are going to make the difference in this election.

There’s a simple reason — we have the most on the line, especially when it comes to health care and our ability to make our own health decisions. From increased access to coverage, to free preventive services, to lower prescription drug costs, and, soon, ending discrimination against women when it comes to health care premiums — the Affordable Care Act protects and benefits American women.

As women, it’s up to us to protect and build on the kind of progress that prevents insurers from discriminating against our daughters, mothers, and friends. We can’t afford to see that legislation repealed.

It’s our health on the table — and it’s our vote to cast. That’s why it’s absolutely critical that we start building right now. The second anniversary of the Affordable Care Act is this Friday, March 23rd, so we’re holding a Women’s Week of Action from March 23rd to March 30th to get the conversation going among our friends. We’ll be meeting up, organizing, and making phone calls to get the word out about how the Affordable Care Act helps women.

First Lady Michelle Obama wants you to be a part of it — so she recorded a special message. Watch this video, then say you’ll take part in a Women’s Week of Action, starting on Friday:

 
Here’s how women benefit from the Affordable Care Act:

    — By 2014, health reform will completely prohibit an insurance practice called “gender rating” that charges women more than men for the same coverage.
    — Already, young women who would otherwise be uninsured have access to coverage through their parents’ plans. In the future, even more young adults will gain coverage due to the Affordable Care Act’s reforms.
    — In 2011, the President’s law saved women on Medicare more than $1.2 billion on the cost of prescription drugs in the “donut hole” gap — by 2020, the gap will be completely closed.
    — Women with pre-existing conditions will soon gain access to coverage that — without reform — would have been out of reach. Children with pre-existing conditions are now protected.
    — Women have better access to critical preventive care like mammograms and cervical cancer screenings — and in the future, well-woman visits and domestic violence screenings will be included.

All of this will be on the line in November — that’s why we need your help, starting now.

Sign up to be a part of a nationwide Women’s Week of Action. By next Friday, let’s make sure we’ve done all we can to educate our friends, our moms, and our daughters about exactly what we’re voting to protect this fall.

It’s our health and our vote. Let’s make sure we’re the ones making the difference:

http://my.barackobama.com/Join-the-Womens-Week-of-Action

Thanks,

Kate

Kate Chapek
Women’s Vote Director
Obama for America

P.S. — We put together an app that figures out exactly how health reform benefits you. Check it out and find out how the Affordable Care Act is working for you right now — then pass it on.