The Biden administration is seeking public input on whether to require comprehensive coverage of a variety of over-the-counter (OTC) preventive products, such as contraception, under most health insurance plans, at no cost.
Under the Affordable Care Act, insurers are obligated to cover specific forms of birth control and other preventive services, but only when they are prescribed. Normally, OTC products are not covered by insurance.
The Departments of Health and Human Services (HHS), Labor, and the Treasury are soliciting comments on how such a policy would affect accessibility to OTC items like contraceptives, tobacco smoking cessation products, folic acid during pregnancy, and breastfeeding supplies.
This request for public input follows a series of executive orders issued by the White House, including one in June that aimed to enhance access to contraception and family planning.
Furthermore, this comes after the Food and Drug Administration approved the first-ever OTC birth control pill earlier this year. Opill, manufactured by Perrigo, an Irish company, is expected to be available both in stores and online starting early 2024, accessible to women of all ages.
Advocacy for over-the-counter availability of birth control has been ongoing for years, but gained more urgency following the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, which eliminated the constitutional right to an abortion.
While the price of Opill has not yet been disclosed, studies have demonstrated that even a small financial burden can pose a significant obstacle and prevent individuals from accessing necessary medication.
“We recognize that making preventive care available over-the-counter can enhance accessibility, but there may still be cost barriers,” stated HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra.
In their announcement, the agencies emphasized their commitment to advancing health equity and expressed hope that the public comments would contribute to a better understanding of how to address systemic racism and historical inequities faced by women and LGBTQIA communities.
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