The "Convenient Contraception Act" ensures individuals can access a 365-day supply of contraceptives through their health insurance plans starting in 2026, promoting convenience and reducing barriers to reproductive healthcare.
John Fetterman
Senator
PA
The "Convenient Contraception Act" amends the Public Health Service Act, mandating that group health plans and health insurance issuers provide enrollees with the option to obtain a 365-day supply of contraceptives. This Act ensures access without cost-sharing, aligning with existing preventive care mandates. The provisions will be effective for plan years starting on or after January 1, 2026, and requires the Secretaries of Health and Human Services, Labor, and the Treasury to conduct outreach to inform healthcare providers and individuals about the new requirements.
New Bill Mandates 12-Month Contraceptive Supply Coverage Starting 2026
This proposed legislation, called the "Convenient Contraception Act," aims to change how health insurance covers birth control. If passed, it would require most group health plans and individual insurance policies to cover a full 365-day supply of prescribed contraceptives dispensed at one time, starting with plan years beginning on or after January 1, 2026. Critically, this coverage must be provided without any cost-sharing for the patient – meaning no copay or deductible applied specifically to that year's supply.
The Year-Long Refill Rule
So, what does this actually mean for you? Instead of potentially needing monthly or quarterly trips to the pharmacy for refills, this bill mandates that your insurer must allow you to pick up a full year's worth of your prescribed contraceptive (like pills, patches, or rings) all at once, if that's what you and your provider decide is appropriate. The key detail here is the 'without cost-sharing' part, building on existing preventative care rules (specifically 42 U.S.C. 300gg–13(a)). You wouldn't face out-of-pocket costs just for getting the 12-month supply itself, though your regular plan premiums still apply.
Fewer Pharmacy Trips, More Consistency?
This change seems geared towards convenience and consistency. Think about it: fewer refill reminders to manage, fewer potential gaps in access if you're busy, traveling, or live far from a pharmacy. For someone juggling work shifts, childcare, or just a packed schedule, reducing pharmacy visits from twelve times a year to one could be a significant time-saver. The idea is that easier access might lead to more consistent use, potentially reducing unintended pregnancies. The bill itself doesn't specify which contraceptives are included beyond those covered under the existing preventative services mandate, but it focuses on the quantity you can receive at once.
Getting the Word Out
The legislation also recognizes that a new benefit isn't helpful if no one knows about it. It requires federal agencies (HHS, Labor, Treasury) to start outreach efforts within 90 days of the bill's enactment. This means actively informing healthcare providers and people enrolled in health plans about the upcoming requirement for 365-day contraceptive coverage. This step is crucial for ensuring both doctors and patients are aware of this option when it becomes available.