On May 13, 2019, Gov. Inslee signed the SB 5602, which takes effect in pertinent part on January 1, 2020. The law revises provisions regarding coverage for contraceptive drugs and devices by prohibiting discrimination in the provision of reproductive health care services based upon the covered person’s gender identity or expression. The law also requires health plans issued in the state to provide contraceptive services and devices to participants in the plans regardless of their gender or sexual orientation, and those plans may not require copayments, deductibles, or other forms of cost sharing when providing those devices and services through an in-network pharmacy or provider. An exception is made for health savings account (HSA) plans, which may apply a deductible for over-the-counter contraceptive supplies or services, but it cannot be more than the minimum deductible for a HSA-qualified plan, which is $1,350 per individual.
In addition, plans must provide coverage for: 1) screenings for physical, mental, sexual, and reproductive health care needs that arise from a sexual assault, 2) medically necessary services and prescription medications associated with the treatment of physical, mental, sexual, and reproductive health care needs that arise from a sexual assault; and 3) the following reproductive health-related over-the-counter drugs and products approved by the Federal Food and Drug Administration: prenatal vitamins for pregnant persons; and breast pumps for covered persons expecting the birth or adoption of a child.
These changes are effective for health plans issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2021.
SB 5602 »