Over-The-Counter Contraceptives Proposed as Free for Private Insurance Holders
TL/DR –
A new rule proposed by the White House could enable millions of privately insured people to pick up over-the-counter contraceptives like condoms, birth control pills, and “morning after” pills for free. The rule would expand existing coverage that requires health insurers to cover the cost of prescribed contraception. If implemented, the rule would require insurers to fully bear the cost of over-the-counter contraceptives including the once-a-day Opill, approved last year by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and would not impact those on Medicaid.
New White House rule proposes free over-the-counter birth control for insurance holders
A new White House proposal would enable millions of individuals with private health insurance to obtain over-the-counter contraception like condoms, birth control pills, and “morning after” pills at no cost. Currently, health insurers are obliged to cover prescribed contraception expenses. However, this proposed rule would broaden that coverage, enabling insured individuals to access free contraception without needing a doctor’s prescription.
Proposed rule enhances women’s healthcare access amidst political battle
This proposal emerges just prior to Election Day, highlighting Vice President Kamala Harris’s campaign commitment to expanding women’s healthcare access following the U.S. Supreme Court’s reversal of nationwide abortion rights. Harris’s stance presents a stark contrast to her Republican adversary, Donald Trump, who appointed some judges responsible for that ruling. Further reading: Abortion surpasses inflation as prime election concern for young women
“Millions to benefit from birth control access at no added cost”
“The rule we propose today will increase birth control access at zero extra cost for millions of policyholders,” stated Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra. He added that women should autonomously make personal health care decisions and that insurance issuers and providers are law-bound to adhere to this mandate. The rule would enable people on private insurance to access emergency contraceptives like levonorgestrel, also known as “Plan B,” without any cost.
Reducing out-of-pocket costs for women
Without this proposed rule, women could pay up to $50 for a pack of these pills without a prescription. Delay in obtaining a prescription could also lessen the pill’s effectiveness, which is highest within 72 hours after intercourse. Related News: Over-the-counter birth control pill approved for sale in U.S.
New rule to increase coverage for FDA-approved contraception
If enacted, the rule would also mandate insurers to fully cover the cost of the Opill, an FDA-approved over-the-counter birth control pill. Federal mandates for private health insurance coverage of contraceptive care originated with the Affordable Care Act, which necessitated plans to cover FDA-approved prescribed birth control. The proposed rule, however, does not affect Medicaid recipients as states have the discretion to set their own rules regarding Medicaid coverage for contraception.
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