Access to Contraception for Servicemembers and Dependents Act of 2023

Access to Contraception for Servicemembers and Dependents Act of 2023

This bill addresses Department of Defense (DOD) contraceptive care and family planning services.

Specifically, the bill prohibits cost-sharing requirements with respect to TRICARE beneficiaries for specified prescription contraceptives.

Additionally, the bill prohibits cost-sharing requirements for TRICARE Select and TRICARE Prime beneficiaries in relation to any in-network method of contraception or contraceptive care (including with respect to insertion, removal, and follow-up), any sterilization procedure, or any related patient education or counseling service.

The bill requires DOD to provide information on emergency contraceptives and care to sexual assault survivors at its medical treatment facilities. Upon request by a sexual assault survivor, DOD must provide such emergency contraceptives or a prescription for emergency contraceptives.

Finally, DOD must establish a uniform standard curriculum for education programs on family planning for all members of the Armed Forces. Such education programs must be provided to service members during their first year of service and at other appropriate times, as determined by each military department.

Bill 118 s 1527, also known as the Access to Contraception for Servicemembers and Dependents Act of 2023, aims to improve access to contraception for members of the military and their dependents. The bill seeks to ensure that all servicemembers and their families have access to a wide range of contraceptive options, including birth control pills, intrauterine devices (IUDs), and emergency contraception.

The bill specifically addresses concerns about the availability and affordability of contraception for military personnel and their families. It requires the Department of Defense to provide comprehensive contraceptive coverage to all servicemembers and their dependents, regardless of their location or military status. This coverage would include both prescription and over-the-counter contraceptives, as well as counseling and education on family planning.

Additionally, the bill aims to reduce barriers to accessing contraception by allowing servicemembers and their dependents to obtain contraceptives through military treatment facilities, pharmacies, and mail-order services. It also prohibits any cost-sharing requirements for contraceptive services, ensuring that all military personnel and their families can access the contraception they need without financial burden. Overall, the Access to Contraception for Servicemembers and Dependents Act of 2023 seeks to promote reproductive health and family planning among military personnel and their families by improving access to a full range of contraceptive options. The bill emphasizes the importance of ensuring that all servicemembers and their dependents have the resources they need to make informed decisions about their reproductive health.