PLANNED PARENTHOOD PA ADVOCATES CELEBRATES FDA APPROVAL OF OVER THE COUNTER BIRTH CONTROL, ASKS STATE TO ACT ON POLICY

(Harrisburg, Pa.) --- Planned Parenthood PA Advocates today celebrates the FDA approval of the first over the counter hormonal birth control pill.

“Access to sexual and reproductive health care is critical, and moving birth control to over the counter means that countless more women can take control of their reproductive health,” said Signe Espinoza, Executive Director of Planned Parenthood PA Advocates (PPPA). “Requiring a prescription for safe, effective hormonal pills has been a hurdle to many that wish to avoid pregnancy, and in a state where 80 percent of Pennsylvanians live in a county without an abortion clinic, access to contraceptive care could not be more important.

“Now that the FDA has issued approval, Pennsylvania state policy needs to catch up,” Espinoza continued. “House Bill 1140, already introduced by Representative Leanne Krueger, would require insurers to provide coverage for all contraceptive drugs, devices or other products. Affordability is essential to access, and this bill mandates coverage for a pill that as many as 9 in 10 people use during their reproductive years.”

HB 1140 also does the following:

·       Requires contraceptive coverage to be without cost-sharing, including in certain circumstances when a drug, product, or service is provided by an out-of-network provider

·       Prohibits insurance providers from requiring a prescription for over-the-counter drugs, devices, or other products (i.e. insurance must cover emergency contraception)

·       Ensures that young people are able to get safe, confidential contraceptive care from their health care providers without copays or other cost barriers.

·       This coverage protection applies only to care that federal and state law already permits minors to receive without parental consent.

·       Allows for a 12-month supply of contraception, but provides some discretion to a health care provider in consultation with the patient

·       Provides a mechanism for insured individuals to file complaints and civil actions against insurance companies that fail to comply with the above requirements

 

For more information on PPPA and access to abortion care in Pennsylvania, please visit our website.

 MEDIA CONTACT: Brittany Crampsie, 717 712 3480

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ABOUT PLANNED PARENTHOOD PENNSYLVANIA ADVOCATES

Planned Parenthood Pennsylvania Advocates (PPPA) exists to create a Pennsylvania where sexual and reproductive healthcare, including abortion, is accessible, affordable, and affirming for all. We achieve this, in partnership with the 3 Planned Parenthood affiliates in Pennsylvania, through electoral and advocacy campaigns, lobbying, and organizing.