Baldwin Helps Launch New Legislation to Expand Access to Affordable Over-the-Counter Birth Control

Press Release

U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin, a member of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, has joined the committee's Ranking Member, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), in launching the Affordability is Access Act, a new bill that would build on contraception coverage access in the Affordable Care Act by ensuring that when the FDA approves birth control pills for over the counter use, they will be covered without cost sharing and without the need for a prescription. The legislation would help expand women's access to affordable birth control while maintaining the FDA's sole authority to determine the safety and quality of drugs.

"Millions of women across the country have already benefited from the cost saving measures included in the Affordable Care Act, and the Affordability is Access Act builds on that progress by ensuring birth control pills will continue to be covered by insurance companies once the FDA approves their use over-the-counter," said Senator Baldwin. "Not only is this about making a basic tenant of women's health care more accessible, it's about making it more affordable. I'm proud to support this effort that expands the comprehensive health care women need, when they need it -- without extra costs or political interference."

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