OLYMPIA — Gov. Bob Ferguson signed legislation to improve access to birth control Tuesday.
Senate Bill 5498, sponsored by Sen. Emily Alvarado (D-West Seattle), ensures people can access a one-year supply of birth control upon initial prescription. Current state law requires insurance to cover a full year of birth control on refills, but does not cover initial prescriptions.
“In this state, even if a doctor prescribes you a year’s worth of birth control, your insurance company can require you to go to the pharmacy every single month to fill the prescription,” Alvarado said. “Frequent trips aren’t just an inconvenience but a real barrier for people. It’s a barrier for women in rural communities, people without reliable transportation, those concerned about going to the pharmacy, or hardworking people working long hours and multiple jobs.”
This legislation builds on a 2017 bill requiring insurance companies to cover a full year of birth control on refills.
“Birth control works when you use it consistently and reliably. And having a 12-month supply of birth control at once reduces the risk of an unintended pregnancy by 30%.” Alvarado said. “At a time when reproductive health care is under threat nationally, we can take steps to advance access to birth control here in Washington.”
The legislation goes into effect July 27.
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