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SF 188

A bill for an act relating to health insurance coverage for contraceptive devices, drugs, and services.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Liz Bennett and 11 co-sponsors

SF 188 ensures health insurance covers contraceptive methods without cost-sharing, promoting access and protecting individuals' reproductive health choices.

Subcommittee: Driscoll, Trone Garriott, and Warme.
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Bill Summary · SF 188

Summary of SF 188: Health Insurance Coverage for Contraceptive Devices, Drugs, and Services

Bill Number: SF 188
Introduced On: February 03, 2025
Current Status: Subcommittee: Driscoll, Trone Garriott, and Warme
Classification: Bill
Subject Areas: Contraception, Drugs, Health Insurance, Medical Care, Third-Party Payors

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of SF 188 is to enhance health insurance coverage for contraceptive devices, drugs, and services. The bill aims to ensure that individuals have access to contraceptive methods without facing financial barriers, thereby promoting reproductive health and autonomy.

Key Provisions

The bill includes several significant provisions that would impact health insurance policies and the coverage of contraceptive services:

  1. Non-Discrimination in Coverage:

    • Insurers cannot deny eligibility or renewal of coverage based on an individual's use or potential use of contraceptive drugs, devices, or outpatient services.

  2. Prohibition of Financial Incentives:

    • Insurers are prohibited from offering monetary payments or rebates to encourage individuals to accept less than the minimum benefits for contraceptive coverage.
    • Health care professionals cannot be penalized or have their reimbursement reduced for prescribing contraceptive methods.

  3. Cost-Sharing Restrictions:

    • The bill prohibits imposing deductibles, coinsurance, or copayments on individuals for contraceptive drugs, devices, or services.
    • If a policy covers multiple therapeutically equivalent contraceptive options, cost-sharing may only apply to those options if at least one is available without cost-sharing.

  4. Medical Necessity Clause:

    • If a healthcare professional recommends a specific contraceptive based on medical need, that recommendation must be covered without cost-sharing.

Impact

Who Would Be Affected?

  • Individuals: The bill directly benefits individuals seeking contraceptive coverage by removing financial barriers and ensuring access to necessary services.
  • Health Care Professionals: Providers will be protected from financial penalties related to prescribing contraceptives, encouraging them to offer comprehensive reproductive health care.
  • Insurance Companies: Insurers will need to adjust their policies to comply with the new coverage requirements, potentially impacting their cost structures.

Procedural Aspects

  • The bill was introduced and referred to the Commerce Committee on February 3, 2025.
  • It is currently under consideration by a subcommittee consisting of members Driscoll, Trone Garriott, and Warme as of February 5, 2025.

Conclusion

SF 188 represents a significant step towards improving access to contraceptive services through health insurance. By eliminating cost-sharing and ensuring non-discriminatory practices, the bill aims to support reproductive health and empower individuals in their family planning choices. The ongoing legislative process will determine the final provisions and implementation of this important health policy.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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