WVa women paying more for health coverage

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) -- Thousands of West Virginia women are paying up to 22 percent more for health insurance than men of equal age and health status.

The finding comes from the National Women's Law Center, which reviewed the most popular health policies sold to individuals as opposed to groups.

The analysis focused on plans with $2,500 deductibles and no co-payments that covered prescription drugs but not maternity care. Between 20,000 and 30,000 West Virginia women bought such policies last year.

A senior analyst with the center told lawmakers Tuesday that only among older policyholders were premiums lower for women than for men.

The review also questions the availability and affordability of maternity coverage for women with individual policies.