Department of Health and Human Services Clarifies Guidance on Contraceptive Coverage

Given the wide variation in how health plans have interpreted and implemented the contraceptive coverage provisions of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has clarified that all “nongrandfathered” plans and insurers must cover, without copay, 18 categories of contraceptives (list available online at http://www.fda.gov/downloads/ForConsumers/ByAudience/ForWomen/FreePublications/UCM356451.pdf) and distinguishes pills designed for continuous or extended use from traditional cyclic formulations.

Within a given contraceptive category, insurance companies may still encourage the use of generic items through cost sharing or other management techniques. However, if a noncovered item or service is determin…