WASHINGTON – President Biden on Friday told federal health officials to boost contraception access, the administration’s latest attempt to shore up reproductive rights as abortion limits snowball across the country.
The president’s executive order, released this morning, instructs the Health and Human Services Department to ensure people on commercial insurance are getting contraception at no cost — a requirement under the Affordable Care Act — and consider moves to boost access in Medicare and Medicaid. He similarly ordered Veterans Affairs and the Office of Personnel Management to consider action that would shore up access for veterans and federal employees.
However the president does not suggest a timeline for guidance or direct federal officials to consider new requirements to codify access to contraception despite overwhelming support for easy and safe contraceptive options among American voters.
This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers
Unlock this article — plus daily intelligence on Capitol Hill and the life sciences industry — by subscribing to STAT+.
Already have an account? Log in
Already have an account? Log in
About the Author Reprints
To submit a correction request, please visit our Contact Us page.
STAT encourages you to share your voice. We welcome your commentary, criticism, and expertise on our subscriber-only platform, STAT+ Connect