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Bill

HB 1140

An Act providing for access to contraceptives; imposing duties on the Insurance Department and the Department of Human Services; providing for severability; and imposing penalties.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Lisa Borowski and 35 co-sponsors

Pennsylvania law requires insurers to cover contraceptives and mandates state agencies create enforcement rules with penalties for non-compliance.

Referred to Banking & Insurance
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1140

Legislative bill overview

HB 1140 mandates insurance coverage for contraceptives and requires the Pennsylvania Insurance Department and Department of Human Services to establish rules ensuring contraceptive access. The bill includes enforcement mechanisms and penalties for non-compliance with coverage requirements.

Why is this important

Contraceptive coverage affects millions of Pennsylvanians' healthcare costs and reproductive autonomy. The bill addresses gaps in insurance mandates by requiring comprehensive coverage, which can significantly reduce out-of-pocket expenses for preventive reproductive healthcare. This intersects with broader debates about insurance regulation, healthcare access, and reproductive rights.

Potential points of contention

  • Religious exemptions: The bill's language on religious or moral exemptions for employers and insurers is unclear, creating uncertainty about scope and enforceability—a persistent flashpoint in contraceptive coverage debates
  • Cost implications: Insurers and employers may argue that expanded mandates increase premiums, while proponents counter that preventive contraceptive access reduces overall healthcare costs through fewer unintended pregnancies
  • Coverage scope ambiguity: The bill doesn't specify which contraceptive methods are covered (oral contraceptives, IUDs, sterilization, emergency contraception, etc.), leaving implementation details to regulatory agencies, which could result in inconsistent coverage

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

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