Illinois Governor Signs Law Extending Contraceptive Insurance Coverage

Insurance companies in Illinois have to provide coverage for nearly all contraceptives under a plan signed by Gov. Bruce Rauner.

The new law takes effect in 2017. It extends coverage to almost all forms of contraception approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Insurance companies must offer a wider range of options with no cost-sharing and allow 12 months of contraceptives at once. The plan also makes Illinois comply with federal coverage standards.

Current law limits coverage to fewer options, which backers say impacts women who have to try out multiple forms of birth control. Proponents said that women need contraceptives for varying reasons and now it won’t be cost prohibitive.

Anti-abortion groups opposed the measure. The American Civil Liberties Union supported it.

The bill is HB5576.