New health care laws in effect

CHESAPEAKE, Va. (WAVY) - No more co-pays or deductibles for preventative services could be saving women some money thanks to a new health care law being implemented this week.

Women like Samantha Phillips of Chesapeake could stand to save a bundle with free birth control.

"I think it was around $800 for the Mirena, and then when you buy condoms and all that stuff it really adds up," Phillips said.

When Phillips is ready to have another baby, her health insurance should cover counseling for breastfeeding and supplies which can get pricey.

"I took care of someone last week [who] needed to rent a pump, a few bras, a few other things and her bill came up to over $200," nurse Stacey Starsman said.

Nurses at Chesapeake Regional Medical Center say they hope to see more women get the care they need through lowered or no costs.

"Little problems are cheap and easy to fix but if we let them go on a long time, they become big problems that are expensive and painful," Starsman said.

Private insurance policies will now cover a yearly doctor visit, mammograms, testing for cervical cancer causing HPV and screenings for gestational diabetes and domestic violence.

There are problems involving hospitals like Bon Secours and other religious employers who oppose birth control.

"It forces an impossible choice on them," the Heritage Foundation's Jennifer Marshall said. "Either they've got to violate their conscience or be faced with extraordinary fines."

Religious groups have been given a waiver for now.

Another catch is that these rules are for new insurance policies, meaning you would only reap the benefits when your plan renews. 

Insurance companies can also chose which type of birth control pills they would cover, so some women may be forced to switch brands.

While nothing is exactly free, you won't pay out of pocket at the pharmacy, but you will likely see higher insurance premiums.