Legislation would guarantee access to affordable contraceptives and family planning
LANSING — State Sen. Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids) today introduced a bill to protect women’s access to affordable contraception in Michigan.
Senate Bill 388 would require health insurance policies to cover the full cost of all FDA-approved contraceptive drugs, patient education and counseling on its use, and follow-up medical services, even in the event of changes to health care at the federal level.
“Women and their doctors should have the ability to make informed reproductive decisions, regardless of household income or changes to federal law,” said Sen. Brinks.
Federal law currently requires health plans to cover contraceptive costs and the related health services included in Senate Bill 388. However, the recent wave of proposals to limit women’s health care has created concern about protecting family and pregnancy planning resources.
“This bill provides people with the added peace of mind that they will be able to plan for their families and futures responsibly and choose what’s right for their individual situations,” said Sen. Brinks.
Grandfathered and religious employer health plans would be exempt from the requirements.
The legislation is a reintroduction of Senate Bill 458 of 2017.
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