Washington, D.C. — Yesterday, Governor Spanberger signed the Contraceptive Equity Act (SB 361/HB 1182) into law, following her earlier signing of the Right to Contraception Act (SB 596/HB 6), marking a significant step forward in expanding access to contraception across the Commonwealth. The contraceptive equity legislation, co-sponsored by Senator Jennifer Carroll Foy and Delegate Josh Thomas, requires health insurance plans to cover contraceptives without cost-sharing, including over-the-counter methods. It requires coverage of OTC contraception without a prescription and also ensures coverage of FDA-approved contraceptives or their therapeutic equivalents without cost sharing (going beyond the ACA requirement to cover a broader range of contraceptives). The law goes into effect on July 1.
This landmark moment reflects years of tireless advocacy by legislative champions and state advocates, including the incredible work of Repro Rising Virginia and the National Latina Institute for Reproductive Justice. Earlier versions of the bill were passed by the state legislature but vetoed by the previous governor. The National Health Law Program (NHeLP) is proud to have provided significant technical assistance throughout this multi-year effort and is ready to work with the state on implementation of the law.
“This law advances health equity by ensuring coverage and making it easier for people to access the full range of contraceptives, including over-the-counter methods,” said Christina Piecora, Senior Policy Analyst at the National Health Law Program. “At a time of provider shortages and continued attacks on sexual and reproductive health care, expanding access to contraception is more important than ever. This law represents a critical step toward ensuring people can access timely, essential, and often life-changing contraceptive care.”
With this enactment, Virginia joins a growing group of more than 14 states that have adopted contraceptive equity laws. Contraceptive equity ensures that individuals can make their own decisions about pregnancy prevention and that contraceptive care is accessible and covered without cost-sharing across health programs.
NHeLP co-sponsored the nation’s first Contraceptive Equity Act in California in 2014 and subsequently developed the Model Contraceptive Equity Act, which has helped inform similar legislation nationwide.
NHeLP remains committed to supporting states in advancing contraceptive coverage and protecting access in the face of ongoing health care cuts and attacks.
For more information or comment about contraceptive equity laws, please contact the National Health Law Program Senior Policy Analyst Christina Piecora, at [email protected].
