Sharon Johnson, Author at Women's eNews

Health Reform ‘Fix It’ Threatens Abortion Care

By Sharon Johnson ● Politics ● March 16, 2010

As Democrats work to merge House and Senate health care bills this week, women’s advocates expect further repairs will be needed on whatever law is finally passed. Three problem areas: abortion coverage, age discrimination, high costs.

Nebraska Prenatal Bill Stirs Fight Over Immigration

By Sharon Johnson ● Politics ● March 9, 2010

Nebraska votes this month on a bill that would provide prenatal care for all pregnant, low-income women regardless of immigrant status. The governor says he plans to veto, because tax-funded programs should only benefit full citizens.

Reform Promises to Lower Bills for Chronic Illness

By Sharon Johnson ● Health & Science ● January 26, 2010

Women with chronic illnesses such as rheumatoid arthritis and MS often have trouble affording the care they need, even when they have health insurance. Advocates hope a variety of health-reform provisions will bring relief.

New Rules for Jobless Benefits Boon for Many Women

By Sharon Johnson ● Employment ● December 4, 2009

Federal recovery funds are prodding states to extend jobless benefits to categories of workers dominated by women: those who lose part-time jobs and those who leave employment for pressing family reasons, including domestic violence.

Jobless Benefits Will Now Reach More Women

By Sharon Johnson ● Employment ● November 13, 2009

Women currently collect far less unemployment insurance than men. But that’s changing fast as states adopt new federal eligibility criteria tailored to low-income and part-time workers amid the worst national job market in 25 years.

Recession Drives Up Women’s Need for Medicaid

By Sharon Johnson ● Politics ● October 7, 2009

(WOMENSENEWS)–The latest government data on women and health insurance coverage makes a strong case for public insurance, the option having the hardest time gaining support in Congress, says a leading advocate for women’s rights.

Recession Drives Up Women’s Need for Medicaid

By Sharon Johnson ● Uncategorized ● October 7, 2009

Public health care has been vital to helping women survive the recession, says Joan Entmacher, a leading advocate for women. The latest government data found 850,000 additional women seeking Medicaid coverage in 2008.

Small-Biz Owners Keep Tabs on Health Reform Fight

By Sharon Johnson ● Uncategorized ● September 8, 2009

Women start small businesses at twice the rate of men, and now these entrepreneurs are keeping a close eye on the fight over health care reform. Soaring health insurance costs have prompted many women to become more active in this battle.

Reformers Say Maternity Benefits Make Dollar Sense

By Sharon Johnson ● Uncategorized ● August 30, 2009

Health-reform advocates in Congress argue that it’s cost-effective to end insurance bias against pregnant women and to make all types of insurance guarantee maternity coverage. Second of two articles.

Push Is On to Cover Prenatal Care in Health Plan

By Sharon Johnson ● Commentary ● August 27, 2009

Health advocates are rallying in New York on August 29 to push for broader health coverage. One goal: ending the practice of treating a woman’s pregnancy as a pre-existing condition that bars obstetric insurance coverage. First of two stories.

Sharon Johnson

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