12-month birth control bill advances out of Senate panel

SALEM, Ore. (AP) - An Oregon Senate committee has advanced legislation requiring private insurers to cover up to 12 months of birth control at a time.

Currently, women can access a 30- or 90-day supply of contraception.

Under the bill, private insurers would have to cover up to 12 months of contraception without requiring women to make multiple trips to the pharmacy.

Advocates say dispensing a full year of birth control can decrease the number of unintended pregnancies while ensuring effective use of the prescription.

But opponents say requiring health plans to pay for 12 months of birth control up front could lead to increased costs, especially for employers who provide health insurance.

The Senate Committee on Health Care passed the measure unanimously Wednesday. It heads to the Senate.

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HB 3343