Contraceptive Equity

Illinois law requires health insurance plans that cover prescription drugs to provide equitable coverage for contraception.

What is required?  If a health insurance plan provides coverage for outpatient prescription drugs or devices and outpatient services, it must provide coverage for all Food and Drug Administration-approved outpatient contraceptive drugs and devices and outpatient contraceptive services.

To which insurance plans does the law apply?  Individual and group health insurance policies, including health maintenance organization policies, issued or renewed after January 1, 2004 that provide coverage for outpatient prescription drugs or devices and outpatient services.

Does the law provide additional protections for women?  Yes.  An insurer may not impose any deductible, coinsurance, waiting period, or other cost-sharing or limitation that is greater than that required for any outpatient service or prescription drug or device otherwise covered by the policy.

Does the law contain a refusal clause, allowing certain employers and/or insurers to refuse to provide or pay for contraceptive coverage?  No.

215 Ill. Comp. Stat. Ann. 5/356z.4 (Enacted 2003); 215 Ill. Comp. Stat. Ann. 125/5-3 (Enacted 2003).