House passes bill requiring insurers to provide coverage for prescription contraceptives

JUNEAU — On Monday, the Alaska House of Representatives passed legislation sponsored by Representative Matt Claman (D-Anchorage) that would provide greater access to reproductive health care and prescription contraceptives.

House Bill 25 requires health care insurers, including Medicaid services, to provide coverage for prescription contraceptives and medical services necessary for those products or devices. HB 25 gives a woman full access to the contraceptive method that works best for her—including long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) such as intrauterine devices and implants—without barriers related to cost or availability. HB 25 also requires coverage for dispensing up to 12 months of prescriptive contraceptives at a time.

“Alaskans often face numerous challenges when trying to access reproductive health care and prescription contraceptives. We’ve heard from women, especially in rural areas, that multiple trips a year to the pharmacy can be an insurmountable barrier in accessing consistent contraception, and that a one-year supply would assist many women in balancing their personal health with work and family life,” said Rep. Claman.

By requiring insurance to dispense a one-year supply of prescription contraceptives, HB 25 is meant to provide women and families with easier and more accessible family planning options. In doing so, it saves money for Alaskan families by reducing repeat trips to the clinic and pharmacy.

“Recently, there has been an increased awareness on the national level and in Alaska of the issue of domestic violence and sexual assault. During this time, I’ve become aware of the issue of reproductive coercion. This deplorable behavior and blatant disregard for women’s health and autonomy is inexcusable. Contraceptive coercion is a public health issue, and it is also a public safety issue. By giving women and families access to affordable and reliable contraception, we can help current and potential victims of abuse.,” said Rep. Claman.

HB 25 passed the Alaska House of Representatives today by a vote of 21-17. The bill will now be sent to the Alaska State Senate for consideration.