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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

EndNotes

The cost of a healthy life

Voletta Bonner, 29, of Highland Park, Mich., poses for a portrait with her 2-month-old baby Riley Johnson. Voletta had decided that breast-feeding was something she was going to do before the birth of her child. She was very happy with the support she received from the staff at St. John Hospital in Detroit. (McClatchy-Tribune)
Voletta Bonner, 29, of Highland Park, Mich., poses for a portrait with her 2-month-old baby Riley Johnson. Voletta had decided that breast-feeding was something she was going to do before the birth of her child. She was very happy with the support she received from the staff at St. John Hospital in Detroit. (McClatchy-Tribune)

What’s the deal? We know that women make most of the health care decisions in a family. (I once told my sister, if I die young she is to make certain my husband gets our son to the dentist every six months…it goes on from there.)

So women must pay more for being vigilant about health?

A story in today's NY Times reveals all the disparity – another gender gap – in health care policy costs between men and women.   One company claimed it might lose male customers if the premiums were increased.

Part of Obama’s health care reform is to end gender rating in health plans. However, this practice has not yet been taken to court.

Check your premium costs, ask your friends. Then, you may need to call your lawyer.

(S-R archives photo)



Spokesman-Review features writer Rebecca Nappi, along with writer Catherine Johnston of Olympia, Wash., discuss here issues facing aging boomers, seniors and those experiencing serious illness, dying, death and other forms of loss.