Friday, March 29, 2002
California HMO’s to cover morning-after pills
A story released today by the Associated Press reports that California Governor Gray Davis has ordered HMOs to pay for women's "morning-after" contraceptives. The move makes California the first state in the nation to cover the pills.
Under Davis' Wednesday directive, HMOs are required to cover the costs through participating pharmacists within the HMO's network or, in emergency situations, from pharmacists who do not have a contract with their HMO.
"No other state has actively told their plans they must include emergency contraception," said Kathy Kneer, president and director of the Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California. "They are the first to make sure everyone is in compliance with the law."
The morning-after pill can prevent ovulation or fertilization when taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex.
Davis, a Democrat, has been trumpeting his support for abortion rights and increased access to contraceptives in his re-election fight against gubernatorial nominee Bill Simon. Simon's spokesman wouldn't say whether the Republican candidate, an abortion opponent, supported the increased access to emergency contraceptives.
In 1999, Davis signed a bill requiring HMOs to cover federally approved contraceptives. In January, California signed another bill allowing pharmacists to provide emergency contraception.
