HIL Quotes: SC Lawmakers Look To Expand Birth Control Coverage Through The State Health Plan

The health insurance plan for 500,000 public sector employees in South Carolina does not cover birth control for their children.

COLUMBIA, SC - South Carolina lawmakers' debate over further restricting access to abortion in the state has renewed efforts to make contraceptives more accessible to prevent unwanted pregnancies.

Some lawmakers are considering statutory health insurance for employees.

The health insurance plan for 500,000 public sector employees in South Carolina does not cover birth control for their children.

Individuals employed by government agencies, public and public schools, and public colleges are covered under this plan.

"Many of my patients are covered by this insurance, but they are not really covered because they do not have access to the medication that I prescribe for them and that I think is appropriate," said Dr. Crystal Tomlin. Obstetrician-gynecologist specializing in adolescent gynecology.

He described an example of a seventeen-year-old boy who had just received a non-hormonal IUD in his office. Since the device's only use is birth control, it left the family with a hefty bill.

"Here's a family that made mature, responsible decisions with their mature, responsible teenager and ended up paying over $1,000 out of pocket," Tomlin said.

More than 26,000 women between the ages of 15 and 25 are covered, according to the Employee Benefits Authority, which oversees the plan.

According to PEBA, more than 9,000 of them are on contraceptives, some of which are covered for reasons other than contraception, such as ovarian cysts, endometriosis and bleeding disorders.

PEBA said it would cost $3.2 million to fully cover the cost of contraceptives for loved ones. Coastal Democrats and Republicans support funding.

"If we want to limit abortion, then we are going to put more emphasis on these issues. I think it's just one of those issues, but one of those issues is expanding our coverage," the representative said. Neal Collins.

“One way to have fewer abortions is to have fewer pregnancies. And planned pregnancies are definitely the best form of pregnancy. So I don't see a problem with that," said Senate Minority Leader Brad Hutto.

That $3.2 million includes coverage for about 6,000 dependents that PEBA believes would be eligible for coverage under the plan.

Changing health insurance requires the approval of the budget process. The legislature tried to mandate coverage for dependents in 2017, but Gov. Henry McMaster removed it from the budget.

McMaster spokesman Brian Symmes said in a statement:

"The governor vetoed it in 2018 for what he said at the time: It was an unfunded mandate, which is an irresponsible way to fund government programs without a steady stream of funds to ensure the success and longevity of government. to ensure." ."

Symmes also announced funding in this year's budget for an organization called New Morning focused on expanding access to reliable birth control across the state.

"The governor decided not to veto the $750,000 provision because he believes what he said when he signed the Affordable Care Act: We must provide the funds to prevent unwanted pregnancies when we are pro-life state," he said. symme.

In May, Governor McMaster signed legislation allowing pharmacists to dispense birth control pills and other hormonal contraceptives without a prescription.