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 Code of West Virginia. Specifically, it repeals §33-16E-1 and modifies definitions in §33-16E-2 to broaden the definition of "contraceptives" to include all FDA-approved drugs and devices used to prevent pregnancy. The bill introduces a new definition for "sterilization procedure" and 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 extraordinary surcharges, such as higher deductibles or copayments for contraceptive services compared to other covered services. It also prevents discrimination against individuals based on their use of contraceptives or sterilization services. While allowing religious employers to exclude certain contraceptive and sterilization services from their plans, the bill requires them to inform prospective enrollees about these exclusions and offer a rider for those services at a group rate. Overall, the legislation seeks to ensure comprehensive coverage and accessibility for contraceptive and sterilization services in the state.

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