Nearly Half of Young American Women Report Negative Healthcare Experiences, Yet Pay More Than Men.
Research reveals that nearly half of young American women have encountered negative experiences in healthcare settings—a significantly higher percentage compared to men. Despite this, women face disproportionately higher healthcare costs. According to the World Economic Forum, the average working woman in the U.S. spends 18% more on healthcare than her male counterparts.
To address this disparity, six female founders have launched companies aimed at promoting gender equity in healthcare:
1. Ashley Tyrner, CEO and Founder of FarmboxRx
FarmboxRx is the first company to deliver scalable nutrition to those in need through partnerships with Medicare and Medicaid. In 2023 alone, the company shipped over 17 million pounds of fresh produce across all 50 states and secured partnerships with more than 80 health plans. Tyrner, who founded the company after her own experience as a young single mother relying on government assistance, emphasises the importance of empowering women to advocate for themselves in healthcare. FarmboxRx’s new Maternal Health Program provides expectant mothers with resources to nourish themselves and their babies while helping them navigate the healthcare system.
2. Brooke Boyarsky Pratt, Cofounder of Knownwell
Knownwell offers a hybrid telehealth and in-person clinic model focused on metabolic health for adults and adolescents. Pratt, who has faced obesity-related stigma throughout her life, is committed to providing compassionate, patient-centric care regardless of body size. Knownwell also aims to address the obesity epidemic by integrating metabolic health into primary care, ensuring that empathy remains at the core of the patient experience.
3. Monica Cepak, CEO of Wisp
Wisp is a women’s health company dedicated to making reproductive and sexual healthcare more accessible, inclusive, and cost-effective. Whether it’s providing birth control, addressing STIs, or supporting menopause, Wisp offers a range of products and services designed to make these journeys easier. Cepak, known for her trailblazing approach in highly regulated industries, is driving innovation in the sexual and reproductive health sector, with a focus on destigmatising and advancing areas of care that have long been neglected.
4. Dr. Suzette Glasner, Chief Scientific Officer at Pelago
Pelago is the leading digital clinic for substance use management, catering to U.S. businesses and health plans. Women with substance use disorders face unique challenges, including higher rates of concurrent mental health issues like depression and anxiety. Glasner, with over 20 years of experience as a psychologist and addiction scientist, advocates for women to seek the treatment they need. She highlights how Pelago’s digital platform offers privacy and convenience, making it easier for women to access care without the stigma or logistical challenges of traditional in-person appointments.
5. Anu Sharma, CEO and Founder of Millie
Millie is a modern maternity clinic that addresses the maternal health crisis through a hybrid digital health model, offering services from preconception counseling to postpartum care. Sharma, who faced significant challenges during her own pregnancy, founded Millie to ensure that both mothers and infants receive the attention and care they deserve. Millie’s comprehensive approach includes obstetric and midwifery services, mental health support, nutritional counselling, and more, all aimed at reducing the barriers women face in accessing preventive care.
6. Ellen Rudolph, CEO and Cofounder of WellTheory
WellTheory is a virtual solution designed for the 50 million Americans suffering from autoimmune diseases, 80% of whom are women. Rudolph’s personal experience with a misdiagnosed autoimmune condition inspired her to create WellTheory, a platform that bridges the gaps in standard care for autoimmune patients. Her mission is to change the narrative around women’s health and to improve outcomes for those dealing with chronic autoimmune conditions.
These founders are leading the charge toward a more equitable healthcare system, ensuring that women receive the care, respect, and attention they deserve.
Note: Originally published in https://www.forbes.com/
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