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Equality of Insurance Benefits
A majority of insurance companies do not provide coverage for essential services, such as contraceptive drugs and devices. Contraceptives are a key factor in reducing unwanted pregnancies and should be considered as any other type of outpatient medical service. By providing coverage for contraceptives, insurance companies can spare themselves the potential costs of abortions or maternity care. The Equity in Prescription Insurance and Contraceptive Coverage Act that was introduced in both the House and the Senate sought to make coverage equal for both services. Any insurance plan providing outpatient coverage would be required to cover contraceptive services and any plan providing prescription drugs would be required to cover contraceptive drugs. Many states have passed similar bills ensuring that women are not discriminated against by their health insurance providers.