FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 21, 2024
Contact: Tayloe Carroll (804-396-9658 or tayloe@caminopr.com)

Reproductive health experts commend Biden-Harris administration for new rule that increases contraceptive affordability

“New federal rule is a critical step toward making over-the-counter contraception more affordable, helps address reproductive health crisis.”

WASHINGTON – Today, the Biden-Harris administration announced a new rule that will expand access to birth control under the Affordable Care Act, without any cost to consumers. The proposed rule is a momentous step toward increasing affordability for over-the-counter (OTC) contraception. Last year, President Biden issued an executive order that directed agencies to consider new ways to bolster affordable access to contraception. Last fall, the U.S. Departments of Health and Human Services, Labor, and the Treasury issued a request for information (RFI) regarding insurance coverage of certain OTC products. Contraceptive Access Initiative (CAI) submitted comments in response to the RFI that called for federal agencies to require coverage of OTC contraceptives without cost-sharing and to require a scope of coverage.

“We need to establish a uniform federal requirement for coverage of OTC contraception to achieve real contraceptive affordability and equity,” said CAI Co-founder Dana Singiser. “Today’s proposed rulemaking is a critical step toward making over the counter contraception more affordable and we applaud the Biden-Harris administration for their continued leadership in addressing the reproductive health crisis in this country. While this proposed rule would ensure coverage for over 50 million women of reproductive age, we need to complete the coverage roadmap and make sure that everyone who relies on public insurance plans also has this coverage.

“Leaders in the pharmaceutical industry are also calling for federal action toward contraceptive affordability.  A new report by CAI and the American Pharmacist Association (APhA), “Accessible Consumer Choices: Shaping the Future of Contraceptive Care at Pharmacies,” recommends a federal mandate for insurance coverage of over-the-counter (OTC) contraceptives. CAI’s groundbreaking report finds that nearly 60 million women would gain access to affordable over-the-counter with changes to over-the-counter insurance coverage for all insurance plans, private and public.

“As a practicing OB-GYN, I know that people need truly affordable contraception.” said Dr. Raegan McDonald-Mosley, CEO of Power to Decide and CAI Chief Medical Advisor. “The new proposed rule is a positive step toward increasing access to contraception at a time when this is critically important.”

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The nonprofit Contraceptive Access Initiative advocates for increasing access to contraception, free from stigma, bias and coercion. CAI supports affordable over-the-counter access to oral contraception without restrictions. Our work reduces misinformation and challenges disinformation, while uplifting educational content that helps people make the choices that are right for them.