Bill > HB5185

This bill expands access to contraceptive drugs, devices, and sterilization procedures by requiring health insurance plans in West Virginia, starting January 1, 2027, to cover these services without imposing deductibles, copayments, or other cost-sharing, and prohibiting restrictions like prior authorization or waiting periods for prescription contraceptives. It defines "contraceptives" broadly to include all FDA-approved drugs and devices to prevent pregnancy, and "sterilization procedure" as permanent birth control methods like tubal occlusion or vasectomy. The bill mandates coverage for a 12-month supply of contraceptives, allows for therapeutic equivalents if available, and defers to a provider's judgment if a specific contraceptive is medically inadvisable, also covering related patient education, counseling, and follow-up services. While it generally prohibits excluding or penalizing individuals or healthcare professionals based on contraceptive use, it includes an exemption for religious employers, allowing them to exclude contraceptive coverage that conflicts with their religious tenets, though insurers must notify prospective enrollees about these exclusions and offer a rider for contraceptive coverage. Importantly, this bill does not prevent coverage for contraceptives or sterilization procedures when medically necessary to preserve life or health, or for non-contraceptive purposes like reducing ovarian cancer risk.

Health and Social Services

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=5185&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill