The White House has proposed a new rule on Monday, just days before Election Day, that would allow millions of individuals with private health insurance to obtain over-the-counter contraceptives, including condoms, birth control pills, and emergency contraceptives, at no cost.
This initiative is part of Vice President Kamala Harris’s campaign to enhance women’s healthcare access, particularly following the U.S. Supreme Court’s controversial decision that overturned nationwide abortion rights two years ago.
Currently, health insurers are mandated to cover the cost of prescribed contraceptive methods, which can include prescription birth control and condoms when prescribed by a doctor. The proposed rule seeks to expand this coverage, enabling individuals to pick up contraceptive options from local stores without needing a prescription, reported The Associated Press.
Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra emphasized the importance of this rule: “The proposed rule we announce today would expand access to birth control at no additional cost for millions of consumers. Bottom line: women should have control over their personal health care decisions,” reported AP.
Under the new proposal, individuals with private health insurance would be able to access emergency contraceptives such as levonorgestrel—commonly known as “Plan B”—without incurring costs. Currently, women may face out-of-pocket expenses of up to $50 for a pack of these pills, which are most effective when taken within 72 hours after unprotected sex. Delays in obtaining a prescription could compromise the effectiveness of the medication.
If implemented, the rule would also require insurance providers to cover the costs of Opill, a newly approved over-the-counter birth control pill that retails for approximately $20 for a one-month supply. This move follows the federal mandates introduced under the Affordable Care Act, which initially required private health plans to cover FDA-approved birth control as a preventive service when prescribed.
The proposed rule would not extend to individuals on Medicaid, as coverage for contraceptives under this program varies by state. Many states do not include over-the-counter contraceptive methods like Plan B or condoms in their Medicaid coverage.