25-03-2025
TN lawmaker proposes allowing for 12-month supply of birth control in bill
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — A Memphis Democrat wants those buying birth control to be able to receive one year's supply in the state of Tennessee.
Sen. Raumesh Akbari has proposed SB 589, which would require all health plans, as defined in state law, to provide contraceptive coverage in 12-month refills of the drug at one time for someone insured.
According to present law, health plans that provide prescription coverage for birth control must allow for 12-month supplies unless the patient requests a smaller amount; however, present law does not require a health benefit plan to cover contraceptives provided by a doctor or at a pharmacy that does not participate in that specific plan.
Akbari's bill would change the definition of 'health benefit plan' to include a 'hospital, surgical, or medical expense policy; health, hospital or medical service corporation contract; a policy or agreement entered into by a health insurer, or a health maintenance organization contract offered by an employer; other plan administered by the state; or a certificate issued under those policies, contracts or plans.'
The bill would also prohibit any health plan that provides hormonal contraceptive coverage from imposing 'utilization controls' or other forms of 'medical management' that limit the supply of contraceptives to anything less than a 12-month supply.
Additionally, the bill revises the definition of 'contraceptive' to remove the requirement that the contraceptive be one that is 'legally marketed' by the FDA.
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According to the fiscal note on the bill, estimates on how much the bill could cost up to $1.4 million starting in Fiscal Year 2026.
The effective date on the bill would be Jan. 1, 2026.
Lawmakers were set to discuss the bill in the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee on Tuesday, March 25.
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