HHS, the Labor Department and Treasury Department put payers on notice that they are required to cover birth control and family planning counseling under the Affordable Care Act in every state.
Covered services include hormonal birth control, implanted devices, emergency contraception, barrier methods, education and counseling, sterilization procedures, and any additional contraceptives approved by the FDA, according to a July 28 news release.
"Today's guidance makes clear that the law requires group health plans and health insurance issuers to provide contraceptive coverage — including emergency contraception — at no cost to participants," Labor Secretary Marty Walsh said. "We have heard troubling reports that plans and issuers are not following the law. We expect them to remove impermissible barriers and ensure individuals have access to the contraceptive coverage they need. If plans and issuers are not complying with the law, we will take enforcement action to ensure that participants receive this coverage, again with no cost sharing."