Wisconsin Senate Bill SB1098

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/27/24
• Refer: 3/27/24
• Failed: 4/15/24

Caption

Coverage of sterilization procedures and patient education and counseling under health insurance policies and plans. (FE)

Impact

The impact of SB1098 on state laws is significant as it reinforces and expands existing health insurance mandates regarding reproductive health. By including sterilization procedures, the bill aims to ensure that citizens have access to a broader spectrum of reproductive health services under their insurance plans. It addresses the potential barrier of costs associated with such procedures, which may deter individuals from seeking them. The legislation is seen as a means to support informed decision-making and enhance healthcare access, especially for those who may not have it otherwise.

Summary

Senate Bill 1098 seeks to expand the coverage provided by health insurance policies in Wisconsin to include sterilization procedures along with necessary patient education and counseling for individuals seeking such services. This bill specifically amends statute 632.895 to require that health insurance policies and self-insured governmental health plans that cover contraceptive services must also cover sterilization procedures. This aligns with current mandates that require insurers to provide extensive contraceptive coverage, thereby creating a more comprehensive reproductive health care framework.

Contention

Despite the bill's supportive framework for reproductive health, notable points of contention include concerns from various stakeholders about the implications of such mandates. Some critics argue that requiring insurance policies to cover sterilization procedures may lead to increased premiums or financial burdens on insurers, which may ultimately be passed down to consumers. Others worry that mandatory coverage could infringe upon personal or religious beliefs regarding sterilization. Additionally, discussions surrounding the cost and administrative challenges associated with implementing these requirements have emerged, highlighting the need for a thorough analysis of the bill's social and financial implications.