Insights

On April 24, 2017, Mayor Bowser approved emergency Act 22-0049, Defending Access to Women's Health Care Services Emergency Amendment Act of 2017. The Act amends D.C.’s insurance laws to require insurers to provide coverage for certain women’s preventive health services without cost sharing. A group health plan will be required to provide such coverage for:

• Evidence-based items or services that have in effect a rating of "A" or “B" in the recommendations of the United States Preventive Services Task Force; and
• Such additional preventive care and screenings as provided for in comprehensive guidelines supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration.

While group health plans issued in D.C. are already subject to this requirement because of the federal requirement under the ACA, this action would require policies to comply regardless of whether they are grandfathered and regardless of whether the federal law changes. In other words, it has become a local insurance mandate.

As with all emergency action, it is effective for 90 days and expires on July 23, 2017.

Act 22-0049 »