HEALTH

White House says health insurance needs to fully cover condoms, other over-the-counter birth control

Oct 21, 2024, 10:15 AM

FILE - A one-month dosage of hormonal birth control pills is displayed in Sacramento, Calif., Aug. ...

FILE - A one-month dosage of hormonal birth control pills is displayed in Sacramento, Calif., Aug. 26, 2016. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli, File)

(AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli, File)

WASHINGTON (AP) — Millions of people with private health insurance would be able to pick up over-the-counter methods like condoms, the “morning after” pill and birth control pills for free under a new rule the White House proposed on Monday.

Right now, health insurers must cover the cost of prescribed contraception, including prescription birth control or even condoms that doctors have issued a prescription for. But the new rule would expand that coverage, allowing millions of people on private health insurance to pick up free condoms, birth control pills, or “morning after” pills from local storefronts without a prescription.

The proposal comes days before Election Day, as Vice President Kamala Harris affixes her presidential campaign to a promise of expanding women’s health care access in the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to undo nationwide abortion rights two years ago. Harris has sought to craft a distinct contrast from her Republican challenger, Donald Trump, who appointed some of the judges who issued that ruling.

“The proposed rule we announce today would expand access to birth control at no additional cost for millions of consumers,” Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra said in a statement. “Bottom line: women should have control over their personal health care decisions. And issuers and providers have an obligation to comply with the law.”

The emergency contraceptives that people on private insurance would be able to access without costs include levonorgestrel, a pill that needs to be taken immediately after sex to prevent pregnancy and is more commonly known by the brand name “Plan B.”

Without a doctor’s prescription, women may pay as much as $50 for a pack of the pills. And women who delay buying the medication in order to get a doctor’s prescription could jeopardize the pill’s effectiveness, since it is most likely to prevent a pregnancy within 72 hours after sex.

If implemented, the new rule would also require insurers to fully bear the cost of the once-a-day Opill, a new over-the-counter birth control pill that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved last year. A one-month supply of the pills costs $20.

Federal mandates for private health insurance to cover contraceptive care were first introduced with the Affordable Care Act, which required plans to pick up the cost of FDA-approved birth control that had been prescribed by a doctor as a preventative service.

The proposed rule would not impact those on Medicaid, the insurance program for the poorest Americans. States are largely left to design their own rules around Medicaid coverage for contraception, and few cover over-the-counter methods like Plan B or condoms.

KSL 5 TV Live

Health

Art displays draw attention to women's heart disease. (KSL TV)...

Karah Brackin

Art display brings attention to women’s heart disease

Acid reflux, the flu, or aging: These can be misconceptions about what is really going on, which is much more severe.

3 days ago

The Department of Public Safety is warning Utahns to not drink and drive this Super Bowl Sunday. (K...

Dan Rascon

Department of Public Safety encourages fans to plan a sober ride for Super Bowl Sunday

The Utah Department of Public Safety sent out a word of warning for Super Bowl Sunday: Do not drink and drive.

4 days ago

The Weber County Animal Shelter said it had to euthanize at least 18 dogs after a canine parvovirus...

SIMONE SEIKALY

Parvovirus outbreak leads to euthanizations at Weber County Animal Services

Weber County Animal Services had to euthanize 18 dogs that tested positive for canine parvovirus.

5 days ago

A woman wearing lime green platform shoes....

Emma Benson

Beauty is pain? Why platform shoes can be a health hazard

While platform shoes are back in style, experts say they pose a risk for injury.

10 days ago

The Ogden Fire Department has created a new position. The homeless medical advocate will address th...

Alex Cabrero

Ogden Fire Department expands services with 1 new homeless medical advocate

Ogden Fire's homeless medical advocate will focus on treating minor medical issues among the homeless population.

11 days ago

FILE - The Egyptian Theatre is pictured on the eve of the 2017 Sundance Film Festival on Wednesday,...

Shelby Lofton

Mental health professionals help movie-goers at Sundance Film Festival

A group of professionals from the Huntsman Mental Health Institute are sitting inside Sundance Film Festival screenings, ready to help patrons unpack some of the heavier storylines.

13 days ago

Sponsored Articles

holiday gift basket with blue tissue paper and gingerbread cookies...

Kneaders Bakery & Cafe

Holiday hacks for a stress-free season

Get more out of your time with family and loved ones over the holidays by following these tips for a stress-free season.

2 computer techs in a computer shop holding up a computer server with the "hang loose" sign...

PC Laptops

A comprehensive guide to choosing the right computer

With these tips, choosing the right computer that fits your needs and your budget will be easier than ever.

crowds of people in a German style Christmas market...

This Is The Place Heritage Park

Celebrate Christkindlmarket at This Is The Place Heritage Park!

The Christkindlmarket is an annual holiday celebration influenced by German traditions and generous giving.

Image of pretty woman walking in snowy mountains. Portrait of female wearing warm winter earmuff, r...

Lighting Design

Brighten your mood this winter with these lighting tricks

Read our lighting tips on how to brighten your mood in the winter if you are experiencing seasonal affective disorder.

A kitchen with a washer and dryer and a refrigerator...

Appliance Man

Appliance Man: a trusted name in Utah’s home appliance industry

Despite many recent closures of local appliance stores, Appliance Man remains Utah's trusted home appliance business and is here to stay.

abstract vector digital social network technology background...

Les Olson

Protecting yourself against social engineering attacks

Learn more about the common types of social engineering to protect your online or offline assets from an attack.

White House says health insurance needs to fully cover condoms, other over-the-counter birth control