Addressing Wellness and Prevention


Given the importance of promoting wellness and preventing illness, the Report Card includes indicators that address key health screenings and prevention measures and the policies that support them.  This section examines ways in which women and their health care providers can prevent and manage illness and maintain or improve health.

Screening Coverage Mandates: 

The Report Card examines screening coverage mandates for cervical cancer, chlamydia, breast cancer, osteoporosis and colorectal cancer. These tests (intended to be given when women do not have symptoms) were selected because the diseases for which they screen can effectively be treated with early interventions. Both Medicaid and Medicare cover some screenings, including Pap smears and mammograms. However, states can ensure that the majority of women have access to these and other preventive screenings by requiring private insurers to cover important screenings for women.

Prevention: 

There are several healthy behaviors that can improve or maintain a woman’s general health and well-being. Exercise, nutrition, and refraining from smoking can reduce both the risks of getting certain diseases and the consequences of these diseases. Comprehensive sexuality education in public schools that addresses contraception and disease prevention is also very important in promoting women’s health. The Report Card examines policy indicators that reflect state efforts to encourage these positive health behaviors.