HHS announced several new actions to protect and expand access to reproductive health services and reaffirmed the insurance industry's responsibility in maintaining that access.
On Jan. 22, Secretary Xavier Becera sent a letter to Medicare plans, payers, and state Medicaid and CHIP agencies about upholding their obligations under federal law, coinciding with the 51st anniversary of Roe v. Wade.
Three notes:
- A new set of guidelines to help payers meet existing federal obligations by fully covering a broader range of FDA-approved contraceptives and some devices.
- Updates to the Medicare Part D formulary clinical review process for plan year 2024 to include additional birth control types and intrauterine devices for future plan years.
- Instructing local Medicare administrative contractors to publish educational content on the availability of IUD coverage for certain conditions under Medicare Part B.