Rep. Arford's bill to make birth control more accessible to Mainers becomes law

A measure from Rep. Poppy Arford, D-Brunswick, to help more Mainers access birth control by requiring state-regulated health insurance plans to cover the cost of over-the-counter oral contraceptives is now law. Gov. Janet Mills signed the measure on July 1.

"This new law continues Maine's proud history of supporting access to comprehensive contraception to prevent unintended pregnancies," Arford said in a news release. "All women want and deserve the ability to choose whether and when to become pregnant. Increasing access to the full range of contraceptives we have available today makes this goal possible. Providing insurance coverage without out-of-pocket costs is a huge step forward, especially in a rural state like ours, where limited access to health care and costs are significant and growing barriers to contraceptives for women."

Maine law currently requires state-regulated plans to provide full coverage for FDA-approved contraceptives when prescribed by a health care provider. That means coverage without any out-of-pocket costs, such as copayments and deductibles. The new law will require the same level of coverage for FDA-approved, over-the-counter contraceptives, including both pills taken daily as well as emergency contraceptives.

"Passage of this bill is largely due to the tireless dedication of Rep. Arford. On behalf of the patients we serve, we thank her and look forward to working with her on future legislation designed to improve access to sexual and reproductive health care," said George Hill, president and CEO of Maine Family Planning.

In 2023, the FDA approved Opill, an oral contraceptive pill, for nonprescription use. It is the first daily oral contraceptive approved for use in the U.S. without a prescription. Research shows birth control pills such as Opill are safe and effective for over-the-counter use.

The new law will go into effect on Sept. 24.

Copy the Story Link