This is for all of us, but especially for Eddie. It may just be that he has never read what's in this legislation. The first list is what it will do for women; the second list is how it will impact everyone.

Here are some of the incredibly important protections and opportunities the Affordable Care Act offers women.

Being a woman is no longer a "pre-existing condition." Yes, women were denied coverage for just being women before the Affordable Care Act was law.

Insurance companies can't charge you more for being a woman either. Before the Affordable Care Act was law, women were sometimes charged up to 150% more than men of the same age.

Breast cancer screenings, cervical cancer screenings, domestic violence counseling and screenings and a whole bunch of other preventive care measures must be covered by insurance companies.

Birth control is now covered by health insurance.
Children can stay on their parents' health insurance until they're 26 years old. And if you want to have kids, the law will help you get pre-natal care and counseling and help with breast feeding and supplies too.

And here are some of the important benefits for everyone.

Insurance companies can't take away your coverage if you become too sick.

Seniors receive a 50 percent discount on prescription drugs when they hit the "donut hole."

Small businesses get tax credits to purchase insurance.

There are no more lifetime limits on your coverage.

15 million more people will receive coverage because of expanded access to Medicaid.

Millions of Americans are going to receive tax credits to help them get insurance--people who wouldn't be able to afford it otherwise.

12 million seniors are currently receiving free preventative care through Medicare.

Sources:

1. "I Am Not A Pre-Existing Condition," RH Reality Check, October 14, 2009
"The Affordable Care Act Gives Women Greater Control Over Their Own Health Care." White House Fact-sheet
"Preventive Services Covered Under the Affordable Care Act," Department of Health and Human Services Fact-sheet
"Women's Preventive Services: Required Health Plan Coverage Guidelines," Department of Health and Human Services Fact-sheet
"Young Adult Coverage," Department of Health and Human Services Fact-sheet

2. Complete Transcripts of Supreme Court Hearings on the Affordable Care Act, The Washington Post, March 26-28, 2012


Hurray, finally, for the Supreme Court's first decision in recent years that was not politically motivated.