Michigan bill calls for insurers to fund contraceptives

[Doondoo]

Michigan may be the next state to force health care insurers to cover prescription contraceptives for women. In the past decade, 24 states have passed similar legislation, sparking controversy among insurance companies, religious leaders and lawmakers.

State Sen. Martha Scott, D-Highland Park, has proposed a bill that she said would cut hospital and health care costs associated with unintended pregnancies and reduce the need for abortions. The mandate also could result in fewer children sent to foster homes and save the state health care costs in the long run.

Scott also said the requirement would equalize reproductive rights by making contraception affordable to women. Male condoms, which do not require a prescription, are much less expensive than prescription birth control pills, for example.

Almost half of the states in the country have "contraceptive equity laws." Such laws provide health care coverage for contraception by covering medical appointments and prescription drugs and devices approved by the Federal Drug Administration.


http://www.lsj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070303/NEWS04/703030329/1005/news04

[justgamma]

1. I've always found it amazing

that the insurance companies pay for the whoopie drugs but not for birth control.

[michreject]

2. I don't think we have the votes

to get this passed. Just saying.