Whitmer launches new website on contraceptive options

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Prior to the Supreme Court’s opinion on Dobbs vs JacksonGovernor Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) launched a file New Consumer Website To help Michigan women understand insurance coverage for contraceptives and other related reproductive health services.

“At some point in her life, Almost every woman You’ll use contraception either to treat a health condition or for family planning purposes. These treatments have never been more important to women’s health and our goal is to make them affordable and accessible.” Governor Gretchen Whitmer. In light of the upcoming US Supreme Court ruling in Dobbs, We do everything we can to make sure that contraception and other reproductive health services remain available to Michiganders who depend on them, and I will work with anyone to keep women safe and help them plan their families on their own terms. “
“Under the Affordable Care Act, nearly all health plans are required to cover contraception and related health care services for women at no out-of-pocket cost,” he said. DIFS Director Anita Fox. DIFS is ready to assist Michiganders with questions or complaints about reproductive health services coverage. For more information, visit New contraceptive site DIFS Or call DIFS at 877-999-6442, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has recently taken action to support reproductive health. They include:

  • Seek and receive approval from the Federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to extend the period of postpartum Medicaid coverage in Michigan from 60 days after conception to a full year, beginning in April 2022.
  • Medicaid policy update for provider coverage for up to 12 months of prescribed contraceptives for those enrolled in family planning clinics or pharmacies.
  • Propose a policy that would establish Medicaid coverage for Doula services, subject to approval by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid. Doulas is a trained midwife who provides non-clinical emotional, physical and informational support to pregnant women and their families before, during and after delivery.
  • Expand access to evidence-based home visitation programs to better address health, housing, food security and safety during pregnancy and postpartum.

“MDHHS works tirelessly to provide coverage and medical services to the people of Michigan to help them live their lives healthier,” MDHHS Director Elizabeth Hertel. “Access to affordable or no-cost contraceptives is very important when it comes to providing reproductive health care services to enable women to plan pregnancy at a time that best suits themselves and their families.”

Contraceptives are widely used to treat medical conditions such as endometriosis, to treat some symptoms of PMS, and for family planning purposes for people who do not wish to become pregnant or for whom pregnancy may pose a medical risk. under Affordable Care Act (ACA)non-exempt health plans must provide, at no out-of-pocket, at least one type of each 18 methods of contraception It is currently approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as prescribed to women by a healthcare provider. Related health services, such as a visit to the office to get a contraceptive injection, should also be covered.

Although most health plans offer contraception at no cost, there are certain circumstances in which you may have to pay for these treatments, including:

  • If you prefer a type or brand of contraception that is not currently covered by your insurance company;
For information about free or low-cost reproductive health services offered by the state of Michigan, including under the state’s Medicaid program, visit the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Family Planning Program website.

DIFS can assist consumers with health insurance questions and complaints. For more information visit Michigan.gov/HealthInsurance Or call DIFS at 877-999-6442, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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