Victory for Birth Control In Delaware!

Today we want to give Delaware a big #shoutout for passing Senate Bill 151 which takes birth control coverage to the next level!

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Delaware is a great example of how states can guarantee women will continue to get the coverage they deserve by implementing new state contraceptive coverage requirements while at the same time codifying in state law the federal Affordable Care Act’s birth control benefit.  Senate Bill 151 improves access to birth control for Delaware residents, furthering their health, economic security, and well-being. Here are a few reasons why this bill rocks!

  1. Senate Bill 151 requires all private insurance plans regulated by the state and the state Medicaid program to provide birth control coverage with no out-of-pocket costs. It makes sure that even if changes happen to the birth control benefit at the federal level (we’re looking at you, Trump Administration!), Delaware residents will have separate protections under state law. And it goes the extra mile by reaching some plans that are not covered under the Affordable Care Act birth control benefit, like grandfathered plans. Now, all residents with insurance coverage have the option of using the most effective methods of birth control without worrying about the price tag. Removing the cost barrier will allow individuals to focus on the right method for their body to ensure they can achieve all their educational and professional goals!

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  1. Insurance plans will have to cover a full 12 month supply of birth control at one time! Some people struggle with getting to the pharmacy monthly because of their work schedules, transportation, or family responsibilities. If they are unable to get to a pharmacy to refill their prescription, they may have a gap without birth control, and potentially face an unintended pregnancy. Now, the monthly pharmacy trip can be a thing of the past in Delaware and everyone can have their year’s supply of birth control conveniently at home.

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  1. Delaware now requires insurance plans to cover over-the-counter emergency contraception without a prescription!  Even though emergency contraception has been available without a prescription for years, insurance companies still sometimes require a prescription for coverage without out-of-pocket costs. Now in Delaware you can skip the doctor’s appointment to get a prescription and get emergency contraception with no out-of-pocket costs at a local pharmacy under your insurance plan. Timeliness is incredibly important for over-the-counter emergency contraception, which is most effective at preventing pregnancy when taken soon after birth control failure, sexual assault, or unprotected sex. Senate Bill 151 will help women access birth control when they need it by removing the extra hassle and stress.

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After this very, very, very long week…. we needed some good news! Thank you Delaware for reminding us that states do care about women’s access to health care!