Trenton – In order to enhance and maintain affordable access to birth control, the Senate Health committee today released legislation that would clarify and enhance current law regarding insurance coverage for contraceptive drugs, devices, and other products approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, or their therapeutic equivalents.

Namely, the bill ensures that FDA-approved over-the-counter contraceptives as well as prescription contraceptives provided by a pharmacist pursuant to a standing order are required to be covered by insurance, including Medicaid.

“Birth control pills and other over-the-counter contraceptives are an important part of reproductive health care and family planning services. We in New Jersey should continue to do all we can to make access to these contraceptive options as easy as possible, and to make them available when needed, and without question,” said Senator Vitale (D=Middlesex), Chair of the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee.

Under the bill, point-of-sale coverage for over-the-counter contraceptives would be required to be provided without cost-sharing or medical management restrictions.

In July 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Opill, the country’s first daily oral contraceptive approved for use without a prescription.

The bill, S-3434, advanced out of committee in a 8-0 vote.