Doctors Support Bills to Lower Birth Control Costs in Michigan

Michigan Senate Democrats' bills to enhance contraceptive access gain backing from pro-abortion advocates and medics.
Doctors back bills to make it cheaper to obtain birth control in Michigan

Article Summary –

Michigan Senate Democrats introduced the “Freedom to Plan” package aimed at improving contraceptive access, requiring insurers and Medicaid to cover over-the-counter contraceptives and postpartum IUDs. Proponents argue that this legislation addresses barriers faced by low-income, rural, and underserved communities, while also alleviating financial burdens for college students and others struggling to afford emergency contraceptives. Despite some opposition from groups like Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, the bills reflect ongoing efforts by the state’s Democrats to enhance reproductive care following the repeal of an old abortion ban.


Bills introduced by Michigan Senate Democrats aim to improve access to contraceptives, garnering strong support from pro-abortion rights advocates and Michigan’s medical community.

The “Freedom to Plan” package mandates insurers and Medicaid cover over-the-counter contraceptives and postpartum long-acting reversible contraceptives like IUDs and implants.

“Everyone deserves freedom to access reproductive health care,” stated Dr. Sarah Wallett of Planned Parenthood of Michigan, emphasizing contraception’s role in overall health. She commended legislative leaders for enhancing equitable access for Michiganders.

The Senate Health Policy Committee reviewed testimonies and support from numerous medical experts and reproductive rights advocates on Sept. 26.

The U.S. FDA approved over-the-counter oral contraceptives last year, but federal law requires insurance to cover only prescriptions. Senate Bills 973 and 974 would ensure Michigan Medicaid and private insurers cover both oral and emergency contraceptives, prescription-free.

Amy Zaagman of the Michigan Council for Maternal and Child Health highlighted that these provisions assist low-income, rural, and urban Michiganders in accessing their preferred birth control. Studies show women in these areas often lack medical services due to provider shortages and travel difficulties.

“One in three birth control users missed doses due to prescription access issues, reducing effectiveness. One in four don’t use their preferred method due to barriers,” Zaagman stated.

Julia Walters, a Michigan State University law student, noted that financial constraints hinder college students from accessing contraceptives. She co-founded East Lansing Free Emergency Contraceptives in 2023, stressing that the legislation could ease financial burdens for students.

“Over-the-counter emergency contraceptives in Michigan cost $50 to $65, a substantial expense for many,” Walters wrote to the committee.

Senate Bills 987, 988, and 1006 propose increasing access to postpartum contraceptive implants. While Michigan Medicaid covers this, there’s no mandate for insurers, leading to potential out-of-pocket costs.

The Senate bills would obligate Medicaid and insurers to cover IUDs and related anesthesia services immediately postpartum, with hospitals required to stock IUDs. A Senate Fiscal Agency analysis indicates such contraceptives can reduce unintended short-interval pregnancies, which might cause complications like preterm birth and low birth weight.

Opposition from groups like Blue Cross Blue Shield and the Michigan Chamber of Commerce remains, as bill details are fine-tuned in committee.

Following Michigan’s repeal of its near-century-old abortion ban last year, Democrats have pursued further measures to make reproductive care accessible: Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed the Reproductive Health Act, eliminating abortion care facility-targeted laws, and the Michigan Family Protection Act, decriminalizing paid surrogacy contracts.


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