A Health Podyssey

Listen to Alan Weil interview Dr. Nora Becker from the University of Michigan on the affordability of long-acting reversible contraceptives, how the Affordable Care Act impacted the costs associated with such devices, and the role of behavioral economics in choosing a health plan.

Show Notes

The Affordable Care Act requires all private health insurance to fully cover birth control. According to new research published in the April 2021 edition of Health Affairs, this contraception mandate led to increased use of long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) among women enrolled in high-deductible health plans. LARCs, such as IUDs, previously had high one-time, out-of-pocket expenses.

This is a positive development for women, according to Dr. Nora Becker, the lead researcher and an assistant professor at the University of Michigan. "LARCs are the best contraceptive methods available so having access to LARCs is really important for patients," she says on today's episode of A Health Podyssey. 
 
Becker argues that the benefits of contraception go beyond health: Women with access to contraception earn more money and have better professional outcomes. 
 
Listen to Health Affairs Editor-in-Chief Alan Weil interview Becker about her research on how the Affordable Care Act impacted the cost of long-acting reversible contraceptives, the role that behavioral economics plays when people choose a health plan, and what it all means for society.
 
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What is A Health Podyssey?

Each week, Health Affairs Editor-in-Chief Alan Weil brings you in-depth conversations with leading researchers and influencers shaping the big ideas in health policy and the health care industry.

A Health Podyssey goes beyond the pages of the health policy journal Health Affairs to tell stories behind the research and share policy implications. Learn how academics and economists frame their research questions and journey to the intersection of health, health care, and policy. Health policy nerds rejoice! This podcast is for you.