This bill aims to enhance access to contraceptive drugs, devices, and sterilization procedures in West Virginia by repealing existing provisions and amending several sections of the law. Notably, it repeals the findings and short title section (33-16E-1) and introduces new definitions, including a broader definition of "contraceptives" to encompass all FDA-approved drugs and devices used to prevent pregnancy. The bill mandates that health insurance plans provide coverage for a range of contraceptive services, including a 12-month supply of prescribed contraceptives, voluntary sterilization procedures, and related patient education and follow-up services.

Additionally, the bill prohibits health insurance plans from imposing excessive cost-sharing mechanisms, such as deductibles or copayments, specifically for contraceptive drugs and sterilization services. It also includes provisions to protect individuals from discrimination based on their use of contraceptives or sterilization services and allows religious employers to exclude certain benefits that conflict with their religious beliefs. However, it ensures that coverage for contraceptives and sterilization procedures remains available for medical reasons beyond contraception. Overall, the bill seeks to improve access to reproductive health services while balancing the rights of religious employers.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 33-16E-2, 33-16E-4, 33-16E-5, 33-16E-6, 33-16E-7