Birth Control Bill Sent To Senate

Wed., Feb. 10, 1999

A Senate committee has introduced legislation requiring insurance companies covering prescription drugs to include prescription birth control in their policies.

Advocates maintain the issue is one of fairness, pointing out that women pay an average of 68 percent more out of their pockets for health care than men, largely for reproductive health services and birth control.

The legislation, being pushed in 19 other states as well, was bottled up a year ago in the House Business Committee and faces a questionable future again if it manages to clear the Senate.

Critics call it an unfunded mandate that will only run up the cost of insurance.

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Birth Control Bill Sent To Senate

Jesse Tinsley

Jim Meehan

Molly Quinn

Rob Curley

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