Mississippi 2024 Regular Session

Mississippi Senate Bill SB2552

Introduced
2/16/24  
Refer
2/16/24  

Caption

Contraceptive Equity Act of 2024; enact.

Impact

If enacted, SB2552 is expected to significantly influence state legislation surrounding health insurance by enhancing the protections for contraceptive coverage. The law would prohibit health insurance providers from imposing a deductible, co-payment, or any cost-sharing requirements for contraceptive services, aligning with federal mandates in the Affordable Care Act. The Mississippi Department of Insurance will be tasked with monitoring compliance among health benefit plans, further strengthening accountability in healthcare coverage. The act expands upon existing frameworks to ensure that all individuals, regardless of their gender, have equitable access to contraceptive methods.

Summary

Senate Bill 2552, designated as the Contraceptive Equity Act of 2024, seeks to mandate that health benefit plans in Mississippi provide comprehensive coverage for contraceptives, including prescription contraceptive drugs and clinical services, without imposing any cost-sharing requirements. This legislation aims to remove financial barriers that have historically limited access to effective contraceptive methods, thus fostering greater reproductive health equity among the state’s residents. Notably, the act emphasizes the significance of timely access to contraceptives in preventing unintended pregnancies and supporting overall public health, especially for marginalized communities who have faced difficulties accessing such services during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Contention

However, SB2552 has sparked debate regarding potential conflicts between reproductive health rights and the religious beliefs of certain employers. The bill allows religious employers to request health plans that omit contraceptive coverage if it contradicts their religious beliefs. Critics argue that this provision could limit access to essential health services for individuals employed by these organizations, thereby challenging the intended equity outcomes of the legislation. As discussions around reproductive health continue to evolve, the bill's implementation will likely face scrutiny to ensure that it delivers on its promise of broadened access without infringing upon the rights of all residents in Mississippi.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

MS SB2208

Women's Economic Security Act of 2023; enact and expand eligibility under federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

MS HB1480

"Parents' Bill of Rights Act of 2023"; enact.

MS HB509

"Families' Rights and Responsiblities Act of 2023"; enact.

MS HB1476

"Families' Rights and Responsibilites Act of 2023"; enact.

MS HB119

Medicaid; revise calculation of reimbursement for durable medical equipment (DME).

MS HB1443

Comprehensive sex education; require teaching of in Grades K-12.

MS SB2622

Mississippi Prior Authorization Reform Act; enact.

MS HB1081

Midwifery; provide for licensure and regulation of.

MS SB2793

Midwifery; provide for licensure and regulation of.

MS HB1489

"Families' Rights and Responsibilities Act of 2023"; enact.

Similar Bills

RI H6047

Mandates all health insurance contracts from January 1, 2026, to cover FDA-approved contraceptives, sterilization, contraception counseling, follow-up services, and a twelve-month supply for Medicaid recipients.

RI S0562

Accident And Sickness Insurance Policies

RI S2088

Requires every individual or group health insurance contract effective on or after January 1, 2025, to provide coverage to the insured and the insured's spouse and dependents for all FDA-approved contraceptive drugs, devices and other products.

RI H7255

Requires every individual or group health insurance contract effective on or after January 1, 2025, to provide coverage to the insured and the insured's spouse and dependents for all FDA-approved contraceptive drugs, devices and other products.

RI H5477

Accident And Sickness Insurance Policies

RI S0268

Requires every individual or group health insurance contract effective on or after January 1, 2026, to provide coverage to the insured and the insured's spouse and dependents for all FDA-approved contraceptive drugs, devices and other products.

MS HB1418

The Right to Contraception Act; create.

MS HB1085

County health departments; require nurse practitioner to be present weekly to provide free contraceptive supplies.