New Yorkers are on the brink of having better access to affordable contraception. But unless the New York State Senate takes action in the next 24 hours to bring the Comprehensive Contraception Coverage Act (CCCA) to a vote, New Yorkers will continue to have uneven access to birth control methods.
When the Affordable Care Act first passed, it was praised for requiring private insurance companies to cover contraceptives like birth control and the morning-after pill at no cost to the patient.
But many insurance companies have found loopholes that keep some birth control methods out of reach. Currently, insurance companies can deny coverage for certain methods, forcing many people to pay for the care they need out of pocket. Individuals, not insurers, should decide which method of contraception is right for them.
The CCCA promises to close gaps in insurance coverage to make contraceptives more affordable. The bill will require insurance companies to cover all types of federally approved birth control, not just a select few. It will also increase access to emergency contraception, a costly one-time method that can be up to $65 without insurance.
The CCCA will additionally allow up to 12 months of contraceptives to be dispensed at one time. Right now, New Yorkers must return to pharmacies for refills after their one- or three-month prescription runs out.
States like California and Oregon have already implemented measures similar to the CCCA, and studies have shown that access to 12 months of contraception can reduce rates of unintended pregnancies by 30 percent. For those who work, go to school, or live in rural communities, it's clear that having a long-term supply of affordable contraceptives is essential.
The CCCA has passed the New York Assembly with bipartisan support and now it is up to the Senate to bring this bill to the floor for a vote.
That's why it's so important that New Yorkers make sure the Senate's leadership stands up for equal access to birth control. Senate Majority Leader Flanagan must act now to ensure New Yorkers are not shortchanged when it comes to their reproductive health care.
Call Senate Majority Leader Flanagan and urge him to bring the CCCA to a vote today!
Although reducing the rate of unintended pregnancy has been identified as a key public health goal, New York still has one of the highest rates of unintended pregnancy in the nation.
In New York City, many young people lack access to sexual and reproductive health services, including contraception. Planned Parenthood of New York City works hard to make sure that all New Yorkers know they can come to us and receive the full range of sexual and reproductive health care services, including birth control. But we know that the work in our five health centers across the five boroughs is only one piece of the puzzle -- one of the others is ensuring that insurance companies step up to the plate to give New Yorkers access to contraception.
With the passage of CCCA, New Yorkers will have the access they need to make the best reproductive decisions for their lives. No longer will New Yorkers have to pay out of pocket or be limited to one form of contraception due to inconsistent coverage.
By supporting the CCCA, New Yorkers can help foster a healthy and empowered community.
Please call Senate Majority Leader Flanagan today at 844-332-1339 and urge him to help New Yorkers access the contraception we need by bringing this bill to a vote before session ends this week.
Joan Malin is President and CEO of Planned Parenthood of New York City.