Contraceptive coverage by health insurers would be mandated by Snowe-Reid measure.
Executive Summary
PRESCRIPTION CONTRACEPTIVE COVERAGE MANDATE FOR HEALTH INSURERS would be created by Senate legislation introduced May 14. The "Equity in Prescription Insurance and Contraceptive Coverage Act of 1997" (S 743), sponsored by Sens. Snowe (R-Maine) and Reid (D-Nev.), would require a health plan to cover prescription contraceptive drugs or devices if the plan provides benefits for other outpatient therapies. The measure was co-sponsored by seven other senators, including Senate Labor and Human Resources Chairman Jeffords (R-Vt.). Rep. Greenwood (R-Penn.) is expected to offer companion legislation in the House.