Contraceptive Equity

New Hampshire 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 services or prescription drugs, it must provide coverage for all Food and Drug Administration-approved outpatient contraceptive services or prescription contraceptive drugs and devices.

To which insurance plans does the law apply?  Any group or blanket health insurance policies issued or renewed by insurers, health service corporations, and health maintenance organizations (HMOs) that provide coverage for outpatient services or prescription drugs.

Does the law provide additional protections for women?  Yes.  Coverage for prescription contraceptive drugs and devices and outpatient contraceptive services must be provided under the same terms and conditions as those for other prescription drugs and other outpatient services.

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

N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§ 415:18-i, 420-A:17-c, 420-B:8-gg (Enacted 1999).