In summary
After the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, California adopted several laws to increase access to contraception and abortion. The latest proposal would eliminate out-of-pocket costs for birth control for millions of Californians.
Family planning will become cheaper for millions of Californians under a new law that goes into effect on January 1.
Women will be able to go to their local pharmacy and get over-the-counter contraceptives that don't require a prescription and will be paid for by insurance. Meanwhile, more people will be able to get a vasectomy without paying out of pocket.
of Contraceptive Fairness Act of 2022 The paper, written by former Sen. Connie Leyva, a Democrat from Chino, would require private health insurance plans to cover contraceptive products, including condoms and spermicide, without a prescription or copay. This part of the law only applies to women and is only allowed in in-network pharmacies.
Men have less expensive vasectomy options. A vasectomy is a low-risk, sterile procedure that usually takes about 20 minutes.costs have been around for a long time Key determining factors For men who wish to undergo treatment, May cost up to several hundred dollarsincluding follow-up visits.
Billing data shows: Vasectomies are becoming more and more common Following the Supreme Court's 2022 decision overturning Roe v. Wade, according to a national survey.
California's new law applies to Approximately 14 million people We carry commercial insurance that is regulated by the state. The new law does not apply to people enrolled in federally regulated health insurance plans.
Californians eligible for Medi-Cal, a joint state and federal health insurance program for low-income people, already makes vasectomies available for free. But under federal regulations, over-the-counter contraceptives still require a prescription.
The Biden administration will take office this fall. announced that it is seeking public input. About facilitating access to over-the-counter preventive care products, including contraceptives.
Reproductive health advocacy groups Essential Access Health, NARAL Pro-Choice California, and the National Health Law Program promoted California's new law. They have been working to expand access to reproductive health care since the Supreme Court struck down the constitutional right to abortion. In 2022, California also passed a law This eliminates out-of-pocket costs for abortions.
Learn more about the legislators mentioned in this article
Former State Senate District 20 (Van Nuys)
Lobbying groups representing health insurance companies include the California Health Plans Association, which is working against the law. They argued that the state mandate would increase insurance premiums for all Californians, not just taxpayers.
The California Catholic Conference and the Right to Life Federation also opposed the law, with Catholic groups seeking a clear exception for religious employers.
