Planned Parenthood Federation of America Inc.

10/22/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/22/2024 09:02

Planned Parenthood Applauds Biden Administration for Expanding Coverage of Birth Control Under the Affordable Care Act

Planned Parenthood Applauds Biden Administration for Expanding Coverage of Birth Control Under the Affordable Care Act

For Immediate Release: Oct. 22, 2024


WASHINGTON, DC -Yesterday, the Biden administration proposed a groundbreaking new rule to improve access to birth control, marking the most significant expansion of contraceptive coverage under the Affordable Care Act in more than a decade.

Through the proposed rule, insurance companies will be required for the first time to cover over-the-counter (OTC) contraceptives without cost sharing or a prescription and to cover all contraceptive products that do not have a generic equivalent. The rule will increase coverage for 52 million women of reproductive age with private health insurance, building on the Affordable Care Act's requirement that most private health plans must cover contraception without cost sharing.

Statement from Alexis McGill Johnson, president and CEO, Planned Parenthood Federation of America:

"Let me be clear: Everybody deserves access to the full range of sexual and reproductive health care - including birth control. The ability to control if, when, and how we build our families is a basic and essential freedom, and if this landmark proposed rule is finalized, more people will be able to get the care they need.

"In the face of relentless attacks on birth control and on sexual and reproductive health care providers from anti-abortion rights lawmakers, this new rule would help increase access to critical reproductive health care and rights. We applaud the Biden administration for their ongoing commitment to improving access to sexual and reproductive health care and making it easier for people to get the care they need, when they need it. This also means investing in our nation's sexual and reproductive health care infrastructure and protecting patients' ability to get information and care from a trusted health care provider."

The proposed rule from the Departments of Health and Human Services, Labor, and the Treasury would improve OTC access and ensure plans and issuers have to provide consumers with more choices of covered contraceptives and to build awareness of coverage for OTC birth control.

Contraceptive options have been under threat since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade and the constitutional right to abortion more than two years ago. As a result, today 21 stateshave banned some or all abortions, and 28 million women of reproductive age, plus more trans and nonbinary people, are living in states with abortion bans. More than half of Black women of reproductive age - 55% - live in these states that lack some or all access to abortion. While contraception is not a solution to the abortion access crisis, access to contraception is now more critical than ever for people who want to prevent pregnancy.

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Planned Parenthood is the nation's leading provider and advocate of high-quality, affordable sexual and reproductive health care for all people, as well as the nation's largest provider of sex education. With nearly 600 health centers across the country, Planned Parenthood organizations serve all patients with care and compassion, with respect, and without judgment, striving to create equitable access to health care. Through health centers, programs in schools and communities, and online resources, Planned Parenthood is a trusted source of reliable education and information that allows people to make informed health decisions. We do all this because we care passionately about helping people lead healthier lives. Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA) is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that supports the independently incorporated Planned Parenthood affiliates operating health centers across the U.