The Democratic majority in the Michigan House are making a push to expand contraceptive access, which supporters say will help women more easily make family planning decisions.
The bills require insurance providers that cover contraceptive access to also cover a 12-month’s supply that could be obtained in one visit. Pharmacists would also be allowed to prescribe birth control directly.
“Currently, they usually provide either 30 or 90 day supply, and that is a significant barrier to individuals needing contraception that have transportation issues or are in a healthcare desert,” said Rep. Julie Rogers, D-Kalamazoo. “They may not have a healthcare clinic or a pharmacy in their area, and it may be a significant burden to go every month to get their contraception.”
Insurers would also have to include coverage for examinations, consultations and removal of any prescription contraceptive, if they cover similar follow-ups for other prescriptions.
The 12-month rule and other coverage requirements wouldn’t go into effect until 2026. The requirements would not apply to insurance that doesn’t cover prescription drugs.
Republicans who voted against the measures expressed concerns about the lack of a doctor’s involvement before the prescription is dispensed.
“My concern on that is the not seeing a doctor,” said Rep. Tom Kunse, R-Clare. “I’m concerned about a pharmacist prescribing medicine for a year without doctor review. I didn’t like that part of it. I couldn’t support it. So I’m fine with a prescription for a year if it comes from a doctor.”
Patients receiving contraceptives would have to complete a self-screening, be given a written information for an optional doctor’s consultation and be referred for a physical if they haven’t had one in the last year.
“The other piece of it — it’s very expensive when we start paying for a full year’s dose at one time, and what that will do if it gets discarded or not used,” said Rep. Curt VanderWall, R-Ludington.
At least half of other states allow pharmacists to dispense birth control, along with requiring birth control to be covered like any other prescription would be.
Over half of other states, including California, New York and Texas, require birth control to be dispensed in doses larger than one month’s supply, often requiring a full twelve months.
The proposals also maintain the standard for birth control access for minors, explicitly allowing birth control to be prescribed to patients of any age.
A federal ruling from the 1980s prevents states from requiring parental consent for birth control access, but these proposals codify that ruling into state law.
The main bill passed out of the state House with support from all Democrats and one Republican, and could be advanced by the Senate by the end of the year.
