Contraceptive Equity

Vermont 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 prescription drugs, it must provide coverage for all Food and Drug Administration-approved prescription contraceptive drugs and devices.  In addition, health insurance plans must cover outpatient contraceptive services.

To which insurance plans does the law apply?  Individual and group health insurance plans, hospital or medical service corporation contracts, and health maintenance organization (HMO) contracts, except certain limited benefit plans, that provide coverage for prescription drugs.

Does the law provide additional protections for women?  Yes.  Such plans may not impose any financial burden for coverage of contraceptive drugs, devices, or services greater than those imposed for other treatments, prescriptions, or devices.

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

Vt . Stat. Ann. tit. 8, § 4099c (Enacted 1999).