Juneau -- Insurance carriers in Alaska would be required to cover prescribed contraceptives and related health care costs under a bill introduced in the State Senate today.

While many health care plans pay for surgical means of preventing pregnancy, few pay for the routine, month-to-month contraceptive methods prescribed and recommended by physicians.

"To me, this is an equity issue," said Senator Gary Wilken (R-Fairbanks), sponsor of Senate Bill 82. "I was surprised to realize that health care plans do not currently provide coverage for contraceptives," Sen. Wilken said. "It seems strange that insurance health plans cover sterilizations and tubal ligations that are more expensive procedures, but do not provide coverage for routine contraceptives," said Sen. Wilken.

Under SB 82 insurance coverage of contraceptives is subject to standard policy provisions such as deductibles or co-payment provisions.

The measure exempts policies issued by qualified church-controlled organizations with religious-based objections from providing contraceptive coverage.

Last fall, Congress approved a new law that required insurance coverage for contraceptive drugs and devices for federal employees. That law was implemented on January 1 and provides coverage to over nine million Americans.

SB 82 now goes to the Senate Health Education and Social Services Committee for review.

Broadcasters note: Audio comments are available on the Majority Actuality line, 1-800-478-6540
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