FL S1718

Requires health insurance policies and health maintenance contracts in Florida to cover all FDA-approved contraceptive drugs, devices, products, and procedures without cost-sharing (deductibles, copayments, coinsurance) effective July 1, 2018.

Mandates coverage include patient education and counseling on contraception and follow-up services such as device insertion/removal and management of side effects, all without cost-sharing.

Exempts religious employers (defined as nonprofit entities under Internal Revenue Code section 6033(a)(3)(A)) from contraceptive coverage requirements if they provide timely notice to employees listing which contraceptive items they refuse to cover.

Allows eligible organizations with religious objections to obtain an accommodation by providing self-certification to insurers or notice to the Department of Health, requiring insurers to exclude contraceptive coverage and provide separate payments for contraceptives at no cost to participants.

Prohibits exclusion of contraceptive coverage when prescribed for non-contraceptive purposes (such as treating ovarian cancer or menopause symptoms) or when necessary to preserve the life or health of an enrollee.