Meetings & Conventions: Short Cuts July 1998
July 1998
Short Cuts:
HEALTH BEAT
Is contraception necessary? That question is at
the root of a debate over whether insurance companies should pay
for birth control. Fewer than half cover prescription
contraception, according to the American College of Obstetricians
and Gynecologists. Yet, 90 percent cover most other
prescriptions.
"There's nothing optional about contraception. It's a medical
necessity for women," according to Dr. Luella Klein, director of
women's health issues for ACOG. "This insurance exclusion makes no
economic or medical sense and raises gender discrimination issues,"
said Klein in a statement released by ACOG.
ACOG is backing a proposal that would require insurers to cover
all FDA-approved drugs and devices, including oral contraceptives,
IUDs, Depo-Provera, Norplant, diaphragms and cervical caps. If the
federal law doesn't pass, states can make their own rules. Similar
bills have been introduced in 20 states; Maryland will enact a law
in October mandating coverage of oral contraceptives.
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