Congress is currently working on passing the Equity in Prescription Insurance and Contraceptive Coverage Act which would prohibit health insurance companies which cover prescriptions from excluding contraceptive coverage. A study on private insurance found that almost half of all large group health insurance plans do not routinely provide contraceptive coverage which means that women are forced to pay out of pocket for basic contraceptives which can cost as much as $300-$700 per year.
In the Fiscal Year 2005 Appropriations process, no attempt was made to strike the guarantee that Federal Employees Health Benefits which cover prescription drugs also cover contraceptive drugs and devices.
For more information, see our factsheets:
Contraceptive Coverage for All: EPICC Act is Prescription for Women’s Equality
Contraceptive Equity Bills Gain Momentum in State Legislatures
In 1998, Congress voted to ensure that all Federal Employees Health Benefit Program (FEHBP) participants have access to comprehensive contraceptive coverage. This coverage continues to be available to federal employees, but must be passed in the annual Treasury Postal Appropriation Bill. Currently, both the House and Senate versions of the Treasury Postal Appropriation Bill retain the provision which guarantees that the FEHBP plan covers prescription contraceptive drugs and devices. For more information, see:
Factsheet: Contraceptive Coverage in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program
