Sponsored by: Rep. Rafael Anchia (D-Dallas)
Summary: Under current law, most health insurance plans that provide coverage for prescription drugs must also provide coverage for all FDA-approved contraceptives. However, "standard health benefit plans"—insurance policies that, in whole or in part, do not provide state-mandated health benefits—are not currently required to include coverage for contraceptives. Under this legislation, any "standard health benefit plan" that provides benefits for prescription drugs would have been required to provide coverage for all FDA-approved "prescription contraceptive drugs and devices and related services."
PPNT Position: Supported—Contraception is basic health care for women. Mandating coverage of prescription contraceptives and related services would have enhance the health of women and helped prevent unintended pregnancies.
Latest Action: 03/27/2007 - Left pending in the House Insurance committee.
Recorded Votes: None.
