California: Governor Newsom & the Reproductive Freedom Alliance Urge Federal Government to Require Health Plan Coverage for All Contraception
The Californer/10263035

SACRAMENTO ~ Today, Governor Gavin Newsom of California, joined by the other Executive Committee governors of the Reproductive Freedom Alliance; Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey, New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper – along with Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, issued a letter to U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra to take additional steps to ensure that all forms of contraception are affordable and accessible.

The letter urges the federal government to clarify that non-prescription contraception will be covered without cost-sharing under private health insurance plans subject to Affordable Care Act (ACA) regulations, Medicare, and Medicaid. The governors wrote: "As Governors, we see firsthand the need for affordable and accessible reproductive health coverage in our communities. In forming the Reproductive Freedom Alliance, we vowed to safeguard and improve reproductive healthcare access in the face of an unprecedented assault on the right to primary healthcare. We urge your departments to promptly disseminate new guidance on coverage of [over-the-counter] contraception and join us in expanding access to reproductive healthcare for the most vulnerable populations in our country."

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Governor Newsom stated: "Accessibility and affordability are essential when it comes to reproductive health care. As some parts of the country look to roll back rights, we are standing together with the Biden-Harris administration to protect women and ensure their freedom."

Earlier this year, the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first over-the-counter (OTC) daily birth control pill which could revolutionize access to contraception in the United States if it is affordable. The pill is expected to be available across the country in coming months.

In response to this development, Governor Newsom launched the Reproductive Freedom Alliance earlier this year; a nonpartisan coalition of 22 governors which works towards protecting and expanding reproductive freedom in states across America.

The letter sent by Governors Newsom et al., is a step towards ensuring that all forms of contraception are affordable and accessible for people across America regardless of what state they live in or their financial situation. More information about California's leadership as well as rights and resources available can be found at Abortion.CA.Gov

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