Women are major consumers of health care services, in many cases negotiating not only their own care but also that of their family members. Their reproductive health needs, greater rate of health problems, and longer life spans compared with men make their relationships with the health system complex. Their access to care is often complicated by their disproportionately lower incomes and greater responsibilities juggling work and family. Women who are uninsured or on Medicaid are at particular risk due to their limited access to quality care. Because of their own health needs and the likelihood that they may have family responsibilities and limited financial resources, women have a vested interest in the scope and type of services offered by the health care system, as well as in the mechanisms that fund health care services.

Women's Health Policy Publications