Blumenthal, Murphy, Murray Announce Affordability is Access Act: New Legislation to Expand Access

Press Release

Today U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), and Patty Murray (D-Was.) introduced the Affordability is Access Act, a new bill that would build on contraception coverage access in the Affordable Care Act by ensuring that when the FDA approves birth control pills for over the counter use, they will be covered without cost sharing and without the need for a prescription. The legislation would help expand women's access to affordable birth control while maintaining the FDA's sole authority to determine the safety and quality of drugs.

"It should be simple for women to access safe and affordable contraception. This bill builds on the Affordable Care Act's no-cost contraceptive-coverage benefit by extending insurance coverage to any over-the-counter birth control approved by the FDA. Women to should be able to access quality, affordable health care without worrying about the burdens of extra charges or fees. We are proud to support this critical legislation, as it will provide women more women with the essential ability to choose contraceptive methods that are safe, affordable, and easily accessible," Blumenthal and Murphy stated.

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