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HB 1020

Access to birth control program.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jim Lucas

Establishes a statewide Access to Birth Control program for low‑income Indiana residents to provide free contraception (including prescriptions and OTC) via health departments and

Authored by Representative Lucas
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Bill Summary · HB 1020

Summary — HB 1020: Access to Birth Control Program (Rep. Lucas)

Status: Introduced (referred to Committee on Public Health)
Jurisdiction / Code references: Adds IC 16‑18‑2‑36.4 and creates new chapter IC 16‑41‑19.4 (Indiana Code)
Introduced: December 1, 2025 (per legislative text); Effective date if enacted: July 1, 2026

Main purpose

Establish a statewide “Access to Birth Control” program administered by the Indiana State Department of Health (in consultation with local health departments and the Office of the Secretary of Family and Social Services) to increase access to contraception for low‑income Indiana residents.

Key provisions

  • Definitions: “Birth control” is defined broadly to include condoms, over‑the‑counter and prescription contraceptive drugs, contraceptive devices (including long‑acting reversible contraceptives), and related surgical methods (IC additions referenced in the bill).
  • Eligibility target: Program services are to be developed for Indiana residents with household income at or below 185% of the federal poverty level (185% FPL).
  • Distribution and program design: The department must develop effective distribution methods to reach eligible residents.
  • Minors: Parental consent must be obtained before distributing birth control to individuals under 18.
  • Cost & reimbursement:
    • Individuals eligible and receiving birth control under the program may not be charged for the birth control.
    • Reimbursement for contraceptives distributed under the program may not exceed the Medicaid reimbursement rate for that contraceptive.
  • Prescription requirement: Any contraceptive requiring a prescription must be dispensed following consultation with a health care provider who has prescriptive authority.
  • Funding authority: The department may seek and apply for state or federal funding, grants, or other programs to implement and administer the program.

Who would be affected

  • Primary beneficiaries: Low‑income Indiana residents (≤185% FPL), including those needing prescription and over‑the‑counter contraceptives.
  • Providers: Local health departments, clinics, pharmacies, and health care providers who prescribe/dispense contraceptives.
  • State agencies: Indiana State Department of Health (program administrator) and the Office of Family and Social Services (consultation/coordination).
  • Payers: Potential interaction with Medicaid reimbursement rules and any grant/funding sources used.

Implementation and timeline

  • If enacted, statutory changes take effect July 1, 2026.
  • Department of Health charged with program design/implementation and with pursuing funding opportunities to support operations.

Potential impacts and considerations

  • Public health: Intended to increase contraceptive access for lower‑income residents, which could reduce unintended pregnancies and associated costs.
  • Fiscal: Program costs depend on uptake and funding sources; the bill limits reimbursements to Medicaid rates and authorizes the department to pursue grants, potentially reducing state budget exposure but not eliminating it.
  • Operational: Requires systems for eligibility verification, parental consent for minors, provider involvement for prescriptions, and distribution logistics.
  • Legal/administrative: Coordination with existing Medicaid and provider regulations will be needed; the parental‑consent requirement may affect minor access.

If you want, I can draft a list of likely implementation steps, potential budget drivers, or suggested metrics the department could use to evaluate program impact.

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

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