Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that requires state employee and university health plans to include coverage of over-the-counter birth control and contraceptives.

Highlights:

• Requires all health benefit plans or contracts to provide coverage for contraceptives and related services consistent with the requirements of the Health and Safety Code (Sec. 3).

• Establishes that a health care service plan contract that provides coverage for outpatient prescription drug benefits will include coverage for a variety of federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved prescription contraceptive methods designated by the plan (Sec. 6).

• Requires all health care service plan contracts, except for a specialized health care service plan contract, to provide coverage for all of the following services and contraceptive methods for all subscribers and enrollees (Sec. 6):

• All FDA-approved contraceptive drugs, devices, and other products, including all FDA-approved contraceptive drugs, devices, and products available over the counter without a prescription;

• A health care service plan will not require a prescription to trigger coverage of over-the-counter FDA-approved contraceptive drugs, devices, and products;

• A health care service plan is required to provide point-of-sale coverage for over-the-counter FDA-approved contraceptive drugs, devices, and products at in-network pharmacies without cost-sharing cost sharing or medical management restrictions;

• Voluntary tubal ligation ligation, hysterectomy, and other similar sterilization procedures;

• Clinical services related to the provision or use of contraception, including consultations, examinations, procedures, device insertion, ultrasound, anesthesia, patient education, referrals, and counseling; and

• Follow up services related to the drugs, devices, products, and procedures covered under this subdivision, including, but not limited to, management of side effects, counseling for continued adherence, and device removal.

Full Bill Text