Do Women Pay More?


Are forced to pay more simply because you're a woman?

The "Anderson" team explored this question in Season 1, when we discussed women and their experiences buying a car, fixing a car, purchasing insurance and haircuts.

According to a recent article on MarieClaire.com, the female population often pays more for mortgages, health insurance, cars, car repairs, and everyday items like deodorant and disposable razors.

A study by researchers at the University of Central Florida examined 200 sticks of deodorant sold at major drugstore chains, and found that sticks for women cost, on average, 30 cents more per ounce than those for men, even when the only discernible difference was scent. "These companies have us convinced that men and women are so biologically different that we need completely different products, as though we are a different species," says study coauthor Megan Duesterhaus.

The article goes on to say that the health insurance market is also "rigged against women -- even celery-chomping, treadmill-loving paragons of health. An estimated 95 percent of insurers practice 'gender rating,' resulting in hundreds of dollars in higher costs for women, according to the National Women's Law Center. For example, a fit 25-year-old woman looking to buy an individual plan can be charged up to 45 percent more than a 25-year-old man, even when her policy excludes maternity care. More infuriating: Women who don't smoke often pay higher premiums than men who do."

Have you ever experienced paying more? Join our conversation and post your story in the comments below. If you'd rather share your story anonymously, visit AndersonCooper.com/be-on-the-show. You could be picked to be a guest on a show in Season 2!

Season 2 of "Anderson" begins Monday, Sept. 10.

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