TL/DR –
The White House has proposed a new rule that would enable millions of people with private health insurance to obtain over-the-counter methods like condoms, birth control pills, and the “morning after” pill for free without a prescription. Currently, health insurers must cover the cost of prescribed contraception, but the proposed rule would expand this coverage. The proposed rule is part of Vice President Kamala Harris’s presidential campaign promise to expand women’s health care access, following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to roll back nationwide abortion rights.
Vice President Kamala Harris’s campaign promise seeks to expand women’s health care access ahead of Election Day, following the U.S. Supreme Court’s abortion rights verdict two years prior.
The White House has proposed a rule allowing individuals with private health insurance to obtain over-the-counter contraceptives, including condoms, “morning after” pills, and birth control pills, at no cost.
Currently, health insurance is required to cover prescribed contraceptives. The new rule would extend this coverage, allowing access to over-the-counter contraceptives at no charge without prescription.
This proposal arises just before Election Day. Vice President Kamala Harris juxtaposes her campaign to enhance women’s health care access against her Republican opponent, Donald Trump, whose appointed judges contributed to the abortion ruling.
“This rule would broaden birth control accessibility at zero extra cost to millions,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra. “Women should govern their personal health care, and providers must obey the law.”
The proposed rule includes free access to emergency contraceptives, such as levonorgestrel, also known as “Plan B,” for those with private insurance.
Without prescription, a pack of these pills can cost up to $50. Women who postpone purchase for a prescription may risk pill effectiveness as it is best used within 72 hours following intercourse.
The rule also advocates for full insurance coverage of the daily Opill, a new over-the-counter birth control pill, approved by the FDA last year. A month’s supply costs $20.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists praised the rule, stating copayments can deter some women from obtaining birth control.
Federal health insurance birth control coverage was first introduced with the Affordable Care Act, which mandated coverage of FDA-approved birth control prescribed by doctors.
The lobbying group for private health insurers, America’s Health Insurance Plans, is currently reviewing the proposal.
Those on Medicaid are unaffected by this rule. Coverage for contraception under Medicaid varies by state, with few covering over-the-counter methods such as Plan B or condoms.
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