Insurance companies required to provide domestic violence counse - WQOW TV: Eau Claire, WI NEWS18 News, Weather, and Sports

Eau Claire (WQOW) - Starting Wednesday, there are eight benefits for women, that insurance companies will now be required to provide for free.

This is all part of Obama Care, or the Health Care Reform Law. 

One of those services includes screening and counseling for domestic violence. The Bolton Refuge House in Eau Claire is a non-profit organization that offers these types of services. Jerry Wilkie, the executive director, says last year, Bolton helped more than 1,900 people.

"The costs are a barrier, it is one of the barriers for victims to choose to get out of an unhealthy relationship. If they are not in poverty before they leave, they may likely well be when they leave. And to add an expense to that, to get the support and services that they need, it just puts up an unbearable obstacle there," says Jerry Wilkie. 

Another part of the Affordable Care Act going into effect Wednesday requires insurance companies to provide FDA approved contraceptives at no cost. Previously, some insured women paid a co-pay or a deductible.