By Josephine Young / For The Herald
Women’s History Month is a time to celebrate progress and reflect on the challenges that remain, especially in health care.
Women have historically been overlooked in medical research, clinical care, and health policy, and new data from KFF shows that significant gaps in access and coverage persist. These disparities affect women across all life stages but are particularly concerning for those in mid-life, in rural communities, and in communities of color.
One of the most glaring gaps is in menopause care. Despite the profound impact menopause has on a woman’s health, fewer than half of women ages 50 to 64 report that a health care provider has spoken to them about what to expect.
Menopause can bring symptoms that disrupt daily life, such as hot flashes, insomnia, brain fog, joint pain, and mood changes, yet many women navigate this transition with little medical support. Beyond the immediate symptoms, menopause also increases the risk for osteoporosis, heart disease and other chronic conditions. The fact that so many women are left without guidance speaks to a broader issue: women’s health concerns, particularly those related to aging, are often dismissed or deprioritized.
Preventive care is another area where disparities are evident. While 62 percent of women report having a Pap smear in the past two years for cervical cancer screening, access is uneven. Women in rural areas face significant barriers, with research showing they are less likely to receive routine preventive care because of provider shortages, longer travel distances and fewer health care facilities. For example, in Washington, rural counties have fewer physicians per 100,000 population compared to urban areas. Your ZIP code shouldn’t dictate the type of care you receive.
Routine screenings for cervical cancer, breast cancer and other conditions are critical for early detection and better health outcomes, yet women who face economic, geographic and cultural barriers may struggle to access them. When screenings aren’t prioritized due to cost, lack of transportation or clinic shortages, preventable conditions can go undetected until they become serious and often more difficult to treat.
Perhaps most concerning, nearly a quarter of mid-life women, Black and Hispanic women, and those in rural areas describe their health as fair or poor. This is significantly higher than younger women, those living in urban areas, and white women. These disparities don’t happen in isolation. They reflect a health care system that often fails to account for the realities many women face: the demands of caregiving, financial constraints, lack of culturally competent providers, and, in some cases, outright medical bias.
Research has shown that women’s pain is more likely to be dismissed, their symptoms are less likely to be taken seriously, and their conditions are more likely to be misdiagnosed. The consequences of these systemic failures are measurable and harmful.
At Premera, we recognize the urgent need to close the gaps in women’s health care. That’s why we’re working to expand access to preventive screenings, improving education around menopause and mid-life health for our members and supporting programs that address disparities in care. But systemic change requires more than just individual efforts, it demands collective action from health care providers, health plans, policymakers and communities to ensure that every woman receives the care she needs and deserves.
We also need to normalize conversations about women’s health, especially in mid-life and beyond. Menopause should not be a taboo topic. Preventive screenings should not be difficult to access. Chronic pain and health concerns should not be dismissed or minimized. Women’s health must be prioritized at every level and stage of life.
For women who feel unheard or underserved by the health care system, it’s important to advocate for yourself. Ask questions, push for answers, and seek providers who take your concerns seriously. For those in leadership, listen to women. Hear their concerns and serve as their advocate.
Women’s health is not a niche issue, it is a fundamental part of public health, especially as the proportion of older individuals continues to rise. For instance, in the age group of 60 to 64, females make up 51.2 percent of the population compared to 48.8 percent for males, underscoring the urgent need for targeted health care services for women as they age.
As we honor Women’s History Month, let’s move beyond celebration and into action. Ensuring that all women receive the care they need isn’t just about health equity, it’s about dignity, respect, and the right to a healthier future.
Dr. Josephine Young is medical director for Premera Blue Cross. She lives in Seattle.
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