Governor Whitmer Reminds Michiganders That No-Cost Contraception is Covered by Most Health Insurance Plans

Media Contact:?Laura Hall, (517) 290-3779, [email protected]
Consumer Hotline: 877-999-6442, Michigan.gov/HealthInsurance

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:?March 1, 2023

(LANSING, MICH) With reproductive rights once again at the forefront of national public health policy discussions, Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) Director Anita Fox are reminding Michiganders that most health plans are required to cover contraception and other related reproductive health services.

?As we await a decision in the Texas lawsuit that seeks to ban mifepristone, a safe and effective medication used for numerous health concerns, it has never been more important to ensure that reproductive health care, including contraception, is affordable and accessible,? said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. ?At some point in her life, nearly every woman will rely on contraception to either treat a health condition or for family planning purposes, and I will work with anyone to keep Michiganders safe and help them plan their families on their own terms.?

?The Affordable Care Act requires most health plans to cover contraception and other related health care services when those medications and services are prescribed by a doctor, and the Texas lawsuit is not expected to change that requirement,? said DIFS Director Anita Fox. ?You can find more information about this requirement by visiting the DIFS contraception website, or by calling DIFS at 877-999-6442, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.?

Contraception is widely used to treat medical conditions such as endometriosis and menstrual symptoms, as well as for family planning purposes for people who do not wish to become pregnant or for whom pregnancy may pose a medical risk. Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), non-exempt health plans must provide, with no out-of-pocket cost, at least one type of each of the contraceptive methods currently approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as prescribed to women by a health care provider. Related health services, such as an office visit for a contraceptive shot, must also be covered.

Most health plans provide contraception without out-of-pocket costs, but there are certain circumstances where consumers may have to pay for these treatments, including:

• If they prefer a specific brand of contraceptive that is not currently covered by their insurer;
• If they use a health care provider who is not in their plan?s network;
• If their health insurance is provided by an exempt institution or company.
• If their health plan is considered a ?grandfathered? plan: generally, those sold before the ACA was enacted on March 23, 2010. Grandfathered plans are not required to provide coverage for contraception.

For information about low- or no-cost reproductive health services provided by the State of Michigan, including under the state?s Medicaid program, visit the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services? Family Planning Program website.

DIFS can help consumers with health insurance questions and complaints. For more information visit Michigan.gov/HealthInsurance or call DIFS at 877-999-6442, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The mission of the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services is to ensure access to safe and secure insurance and financial services fundamental for the opportunity, security, and success of Michigan residents, while fostering economic growth and sustainability in both industries. In addition, the Department provides consumer protection, outreach, and financial literacy and education services to Michigan residents. For more information, visit Michigan.gov/DIFS?or follow the Department on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn.

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