{"id":76806,"date":"2017-01-12T04:46:11","date_gmt":"2017-01-12T09:46:11","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/madisoncountycourier.com\/?p=76806"},"modified":"2017-01-11T21:51:27","modified_gmt":"2017-01-12T02:51:27","slug":"schneiderman-announces-comprehensive-contraception-coverage-act","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/madisoncountycourier.com\/?p=76806","title":{"rendered":"Schneiderman announces Comprehensive Contraception Coverage Act"},"content":{"rendered":"<h3><a href=\"http:\/\/madisoncountycourier.com\/?attachment_id=70131\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-70131\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-full wp-image-70131\" src=\"http:\/\/madisoncountycourier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/Attorny_General_Eric_T_Schneiderman.jpg\" alt=\"Attorny_General_Eric_T_Schneiderman\" width=\"260\" height=\"221\" srcset=\"https:\/\/madisoncountycourier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/Attorny_General_Eric_T_Schneiderman.jpg 260w, https:\/\/madisoncountycourier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/Attorny_General_Eric_T_Schneiderman-150x128.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 260px) 100vw, 260px\" \/><\/a>On eve of Trump administration, NYS Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman acts to protect and enhance New Yorkers&#8217; access to cost-free contraception, particularly vital in the event of an Affordable Care Act repeal<\/h3>\n<p><em>Schneiderman Legislation Would Codify ACA Requirements Of Cost-Free Contraception For Women, While Expanding Coverage To Men\u2019s Contraception And Providing Other Protections<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>Legislation Provides A Model For Other States To Act<\/em><\/p>\n<p>On the eve of the Trump administration, and as Congressional Republicans move to repeal the Affordable Care Act, New York Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman today introduced \u201cThe Comprehensive Contraception Coverage Act of 2017\u201d (CCCA), legislation aimed at protecting and enhancing New Yorkers\u2019 access to cost-free contraception. The legislation would ensure the continuation \u2013 and expansion of &#8211; vital contraception coverage for New Yorkers, particularly in the event that the Affordable Care Act is repealed.<!--more--><\/p>\n<p>\u201cNew Yorkers have a right to comprehensive, cost-free access to birth control. With the Affordable Care Act under attack in Washington, it\u2019s all the more critical that New York act now to protect these rights,\u201d said\u00a0Attorney General Schneiderman. \u00a0\u201cThe Comprehensive Contraception Coverage Act will ensure that all New Yorkers have access to the birth control method they need to stay healthy and effectively plan for their future \u2013 no matter what happens in Congress.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The CCCA would codify into New York law the current ACA requirement that contraception be made available to New Yorkers cost-free, while also expanding on the ACA in several important ways, protecting and enhancing New Yorkers\u2019 access to contraception &#8212; particularly vital in the event of an ACA repeal.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>First, the bill would statutorily require state-governed health insurance policies to provide cost-free coverage for\u00a0all\u00a0FDA-approved methods of birth control, including emergency contraception.<\/li>\n<li>Second, the legislation would prohibit insurance companies from \u201cmedical management\u201d review restrictions that can limit or delay contraceptive coverage.<\/li>\n<li>Third, the CCCA would cover men\u2019s contraceptive methods and bring their insurance coverage in line with the benefits enjoyed by women.<\/li>\n<li>Fourth, the bill would allow for the provision of a year\u2019s worth of a contraceptive at a time.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Despite legal reforms enacted in New York State and Congress, both women and men in New York continue to face barriers in accessing contraceptive care.\u00a0 In 2002, the New York State Legislature passed the Women\u2019s Health and Wellness Act, an important first step toward contraceptive equity that required insurance plans that cover prescriptions to include contraception.\u00a0<span tabindex=\"0\" data-term=\"goog_165281209\">Eight years later<\/span>, the U.S. Congress passed the Affordable Care Act, which includes a contraceptive coverage guarantee as part of a broader requirement for health insurance plans to cover key preventive care services without out-of-pocket costs for patients. However, despite the ACA\u2019s broad contraceptive coverage requirements, Attorney General Schneiderman\u2019s office received reports that certain health plans had been imposing co-pays as well as denying full coverage of certain contraceptive methods through \u201cmedical management\u201d (utilization review).\u00a0 As a result of the Attorney General\u2019s inquiry to New York\u2019s major health plans and new federal guidance, the plans agreed that members would not be charged a co-pay for all FDA-approved contraceptives.<\/p>\n<p>Now, with Congressional Republicans threatening to repeal the ACA including provisions that guarantee \u201cno cost-sharing\u201d for women\u2019s preventive health services, Attorney General Schneiderman\u2019s proposed CCCA would protect and expand upon the ACA\u2019s contraceptive coverage requirements \u2013 while also providing a model for other states to act.<\/p>\n<p>Attorney General Schneiderman has been a leader on issues of women\u2019s health and reproductive justice. Among other work, this fall, he issued a legal opinion making clear that the reproductive health protections afforded to all women under Roe v. Wade and later Supreme Court cases are not, and cannot be, diminished in any way by New York\u2019s Penal Law.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe uncertainty about the future of the Affordable Care Act makes it is more important than ever that family planning benefits are included in New Yorkers\u2019 health insurance. Attorney General Eric Schneiderman continues to be a national leader in assuring that consistent and affordable coverage is available to all. \u00a0I look forward to presenting this comprehensive package to my colleagues in the Assembly for their careful consideration and approval,\u201d statedAssemblymember Cahill, Chair of the Assembly\u2019s Insurance Committee (D-Ulster, Dutchess).<\/p>\n<p>Senate Democratic Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins\u00a0said, \u201cAccess to reproductive health care options is a basic right for all women and it must be protected against the stated goals of the incoming Trump Administration. I commend Attorney General Schneiderman for his leadership on the Comprehensive Contraception Coverage Act and I am proud to support this vital legislation. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to work together to pass this bill and ensure no New York woman loses her rights due to actions taken in Washington, DC.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThis year, the rights of women and men to make their own reproductive decisions are set to come under repeated attack from Donald Trump and Paul Ryan. Many New York families already struggle to access contraception, and Republican slash-and-burn healthcare policies are guaranteed to make the situation worse,&#8221; said State\u00a0Senator Liz Krueger. That\u2019s why I am extremely gratified that Attorney General Schneiderman is introducing the Comprehensive Contraception Coverage Act. This is a basic healthcare issue, an essential right, and a vital step toward achieving gender equality by ensuring everyone can take charge of their own reproductive choices. I look forward to working with the Attorney General and my legislative colleagues to see that this bill becomes law.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Contraceptive care for millions of New Yorkers should not be subject to the winds of political change,&#8221; said Assemblymember Aravella Simotas. &#8220;I applaud Attorney General Schneiderman for assuming the mantle of leadership to ensure that women and men throughout this state can access birth control without barriers.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNew York has long been a national leader in promoting women\u2019s rights, whether it is voting, equal pay, or healthcare,\u201d said Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo (D-Binghamton). \u201cIt is now our duty to ensure that women across the state and country know New York will stand up for them and their access to basic cost-free contraception regardless of what actions our partners in the Federal government pursue.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI applaud Attorney General Schneiderman for stepping up in the face of possible Congressional action to reduce health care coverage for contraceptive care,\u201d said Assemblymember Shelley Mayer.\u00a0\u201cWe need to ensure that contraceptive coverage for both women and men is covered under New York law since we can no longer rely on federal protection.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThis is a comprehensive piece of legislation that includes many components, including some from the bill I had introduced,\u201d\u00a0Assemblymember Amy Paulin (D-88)\u00a0said. \u201cThis legislation will provide those in need with emergency contraception regardless of whether they have a prescription. It will also require insurers to cover sterilization procedures and bring coverage for men\u2019s contraceptive choices in line with those of women. It is a complete and necessary piece of legislation.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Assemblymember Deborah J. Glick said, \u201cIt is especially important for New York State to move forward with the Comprehensive Contraception Act as the Federal government is poised to undermine women\u2019s health access in many ways. First and foremost, women should have the right to determine when or if they will become mothers. Imposing additional costs to women who choose to delay parenthood is a barrier New York State must ensure is never part of our health policy.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI applaud the Attorney General for proposing guaranteed insurance coverage for contraceptive methods, family planning education and counseling. Women and men must have the information, counseling and access needed to make informed family planning decisions. Women must not experience limits, delays or denials of their chosen FDA-approved methods particularly emergency contraception. We look forward to passing this legislation that would grant greater access to affordable contraceptives for both women and men,\u201d said\u00a0Assemblymember Rebecca Seawright.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;With an incoming Administration in Washington that is so hostile to women and reproductive healthcare, it is critical that New York reaffirm its commitment to gender equality and quality healthcare for all. I applaud Attorney General Schneiderman for once again standing with New Yorkers and against Donald Trump and his regressive policies, which will harm women, their health and their families,&#8221; said Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal (D\/WF-Manhattan).<\/p>\n<p>\u201cContraception is vital to women\u2019s health and has a myriad of public health benefits such as a reduction in unintended pregnancies and a decreased risk of endometrial and ovarian cancers,\u201d said Christa R. Christakis, Executive Director, ACOG District II. \u201cDespite the ubiquity of contraceptive use among sexually active women, multiple barriers continue to prevent women from obtaining contraceptives or from using them effectively and consistently.\u00a0 The CCCA is practical solution to addressing these barriers and the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, District II stands in strong support of this legislation.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe Comprehensive Contraception Coverage Act enshrines the protections of the Affordable Care Act &#8212; at a time when the fate of that Act is in jeopardy,\u201d said Andrea Miller, President of National Institute for Reproductive Health. \u201cWe applaud Attorney General Schneiderman for prioritizing New Yorkers&#8217; access to the contraception they need, and for working to ensure that New York stands out as a beacon for access to reproductive health care.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAttorney General Eric Schneiderman knows that contraception is basic health care for New Yorkers,\u201d said Kim Atkins, Board Chair of Family Planning Advocates of New York State. \u201cWith unprecedented attacks on reproductive health care at the federal level, we thank Attorney General Eric Schneiderman for safeguarding New Yorkers with the Comprehensive Contraception Coverage Act &#8211;\u00a0smart public health care policy that keeps contraception available and affordable through our insurance coverage.\u00a0We applaud Attorney General Eric Schneiderman for separating our health care from politics and ensuring New Yorkers can obtain the contraception care essential for a healthy New York.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cContraception is critical to a woman&#8217;s health and her ability to participate equally in economic, political and social life,\u201d said Donna Lieberman, NYCLU Executive Director. \u201cPresident-elect Trump threatens women\u2019s access to contraception by promising to repeal the Affordable Care Act, and Attorney General Schneiderman is right to take a stand for comprehensive contraception coverage for all New Yorkers.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWomen should not be forced to choose between their birth control and other essential expenses,\u201d said Sonia Ossorio, President, NOW New York. \u201cWith Trump threatening to repeal healthcare coverage that has benefited tens of millions of women, we need to do everything we can at the local level to ensure that women retain their access to contraception. Making birth control cost-free and readily accessible will protect the health of women and their families while significantly reducing long-term healthcare costs. We applaud Attorney General Schneiderman&#8217;s proactive approach to making sure that women&#8217;s healthcare needs are met in our state.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBy ensuring that state law requires insurance coverage of birth control without additional cost and addressing other barriers to contraception, the Comprehensive Contraception Coverage Act of 2017 will promote New Yorkers\u2019 health and economic security,\u201d said Gretchen Borchelt, Vice President for Reproductive Rights and Health, National Women\u2019s Law Center. \u201cThis bill is critically important now because of uncertainty about the federal birth control benefit that is part of the Affordable Care Act \u2013 a target for repeal by certain members of Congress and the President elect.\u00a0 The National Women\u2019s Law Center applauds Attorney General Schneiderman for acting to protect and expand the birth control benefit for people in New York.\u00a0 We call on the legislature to act quickly to pass the Comprehensive Contraception Coverage Act of 2017.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNow, more than ever, we need leaders in our states to be champions for our reproductive rights.\u00a0A woman should never forgo contraception because of her economic situation. Attorney General Schneiderman&#8217;s Comprehensive Contraception Coverage act will help New York State lead the way in improving women\u2019s lives,\u201d said Kelly Baden, Interim Senior Director, US Policy and Advocacy, Center for Reproductive Rights.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>On eve of Trump administration, NYS Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman acts to protect and enhance New Yorkers&#8217; access to cost-free contraception, particularly vital in the event of an Affordable Care Act repeal Schneiderman Legislation Would Codify ACA Requirements Of Cost-Free Contraception For Women, While Expanding Coverage To Men\u2019s Contraception And Providing Other Protections Legislation [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":70131,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[23810,8],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-76806","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-wellbeing","category-top-story"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/madisoncountycourier.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/76806","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/madisoncountycourier.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/madisoncountycourier.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/madisoncountycourier.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/madisoncountycourier.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=76806"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/madisoncountycourier.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/76806\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/madisoncountycourier.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/70131"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/madisoncountycourier.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=76806"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/madisoncountycourier.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=76806"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/madisoncountycourier.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=76806"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}