This policy brief examines differences in indicators of health status and conditions, health risks, and health insurance coverage and access across women's lifespans in California.​ While there are no set boundaries for defining specific age cohorts, there are clear differences in economic, social, family and health indicators across age groups.

Using data from the 2011-2012 California Health Interview Survey, the authors examine health indicators across women’s lifespan, looking at four age groups –18-29, 30-44, 45-64, and 65 and older – and health disparities by income within each age group.

Findings: The findings show that younger women have more access issues and women in the older age cohorts have higher rates of health issues. Within each age cohort there is a sharp health disparity between low-income and higher income women.