It is time we do something about this inequity in health care, particularly when we know that access to contraception is essential to improved maternal and child health, reduction of unintended pregnancies and abortions.
Contraceptive coverage is about equity.
If private insurers are willing to cover Viagra, covering contraceptives is only sensible. Women of child bearing age spend 68 percent more in out of pocket health care costs, than do men of the same age. Contraception and contraceptive services make up a significant portion of that gap. It's time that private insurance measured up to the public insurance program. 1n 1998, Congress overwhelmingly agreed to provide contraceptive coverage to the 1.2 million women of reproductive age participating in the FEHB, the largest employer-sponsored health insurance program in the world.