Bill Overview
Title: Affordability is Access Act
Description: This bill establishes several requirements relating to health insurance coverage of, and access to, over-the-counter contraceptives. Specifically, the bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Labor, and the Department of the Treasury to specify that private health insurance plans must cover over-the-counter contraceptives that are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), even without a prescription. Under current law, private health insurance plans (with some exceptions) must cover FDA-approved prescription contraceptives, without cost-sharing requirements. The bill also prohibits retailers from interfering with an individual's access to oral contraceptives that are meant for routine, daily use and are FDA-approved for use without a prescription.
Sponsors: Rep. Pressley, Ayanna [D-MA-7]
Target Audience
Population: People of reproductive age globally, primarily those who use or might use contraceptives
Estimated Size: 166000000
- The bill affects access to contraceptives, which primarily impacts individuals of reproductive age.
- FDA approval implies a focus on legal and safe contraceptives available in the US market.
- Over-the-counter access primarily impacts those who prefer discretion and convenience, which includes young adults and underserved communities.
- Affordability through insurance coverage affects individuals who have health insurance in the US.
- The prohibition against retailer interference extends beyond just insurance holders to all potential contraceptive users in the US.
Reasoning
- The policy primarily impacts individuals of reproductive age with health insurance in the US, as they will have improved access to over-the-counter contraceptives without cost barriers.
- Considering the budget constraints, the policy will need to effectively balance reaching a significant portion of the 166 million people in the target group while controlling costs.
- The policy might offer substantial benefits to underserved communities and those valuing discretion in contraceptive access.
- Those without private health insurance will benefit from prohibition against retailer interference, but won't directly benefit from insurance coverage of contraceptives.
- The scope of the impact is medium to high for those with private insurance and low for those without insurance, given the direct influence on cost and legal accessibility.
Simulated Interviews
college student (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 22 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I believe better access to contraceptives is essential, especially for young people like me who might not want to discuss sensitive issues with doctors.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
marketing executive (New York, NY)
Age: 30 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy is a game-changer. Not having to schedule a doctor's appointment for a prescription saves time and hassle.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
freelance writer (Austin, TX)
Age: 25 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's reassuring that even without insurance, I can still get contraceptives without fees and interference.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
software engineer (Chicago, IL)
Age: 40 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy provides peace of mind knowing my partner has access to affordable options easily.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
bartender (Miami, FL)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Anything that alleviates monthly costs related to health is hugely beneficial to me.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
nurse (Seattle, WA)
Age: 35 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- As a healthcare professional, I support policies that make important health measures more accessible.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
retail worker (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 19 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This makes it easier for low-income individuals to access essential healthcare needs.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
school teacher (Atlanta, GA)
Age: 26 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Reducing costs on health products allows me to allocate finances elsewhere.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
retired (Denver, CO)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Even though this policy doesn't affect me directly, I believe it creates a healthier society.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
construction worker (Houston, TX)
Age: 43 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Ensuring affordable access for my partner matters to our household budget and health.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 4 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 4 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $1500000000 (Low: $1200000000, High: $1800000000)
Year 2: $1530000000 (Low: $1220000000, High: $1840000000)
Year 3: $1570000000 (Low: $1250000000, High: $1890000000)
Year 5: $1640000000 (Low: $1310000000, High: $1970000000)
Year 10: $1800000000 (Low: $1440000000, High: $2160000000)
Year 100: $7000000000 (Low: $5600000000, High: $8400000000)
Key Considerations
- The impact on insurance premiums could be significant as the requirement for covering over-the-counter contraceptives without cost-sharing might increase insurer costs.
- The intended benefit is improved health outcomes and accessibility for individuals who seek discretion and easier access through over-the-counter means.
- While the bill reduces prescription dependency, the overall impact on reproductive health accessibility is expected to be positive.