Respecting Choice is an informative and persuasive blog geared by the 82nd Texas legislative session. We focus on women's healthcare issues in the current political climate. This includes access to maternity rights, reproductive rights, and the policies that shape a woman's access to healthcare. This blog aims to alert the reader to current bills, activities, lobby efforts, scholarly articles, and news reports that impact the state of women's healthcare in Texas. This comprehensive assessment hopes to inspire the reader to discover his or her own voice in the midst of competing interests.

We respect the choice for women to access adequate healthcare if so desired. We also respect the reader's choice to form their own opinions. Therefore, please comment on our postings to share your ideas about these topic. We have included links to state representatives with background reports and analysis. We hope you pursue this opportunity to become more involved with the political process, however you see fit.

Sunday, April 24, 2011

HB 1478

This bill, filed by Representative Beverly Woolley, aims to renew the Women's Health Program in Texas until 2021. The bill will enhance preventative and family planning services through the Medical Assistance Program (MAP), which is targeting towards low-income adults in Texas. This includes improved evaluation records, health screenings, physical examinations, needs assessments, counseling, and medical referrals.

The Women's Health Program is one that I am proud to say I have been fortunate to be a part of.  For a year's time I was uninsured and employed, but making very little income.  During this year I still needed reproductive health services, but could not afford to pay out of pocket.  I went to a San Antonio clinic, filled out the Women's Health Program paperwork, and provided documentation to prove my employment and wages.  Doing such proved me eligible to receive 100% free birth control, STD testing, and a yearly women's wellness exam.  Program participants must reapply each year, and by the following application period I was ineligible as I had gained insurance coverage through a family member.  Needless to say, the Women's Health Program was there for me when I needed assistance in caring for my reproductive health.

HB 1478 held a public hearing on April 6, 2011 and is still pending in the House Public Health Committee.

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