House Bill 874 Summary

• Requires all health insurance policies, group plans, and managed care entities to cover FDA-approved contraceptive drugs, devices, and emergency contraception without deductibles, copayments, or cost-sharing (effective July 1, 2018).

• Mandates coverage of prescription contraceptives for up to 3 months on first dispensing and up to 12 months on subsequent dispensings, voluntary female sterilization procedures, and related patient education and follow-up services.

• Allows at least one therapeutically equivalent contraceptive method to be covered without cost-sharing, with provider-recommended alternatives available without cost-sharing based on medical necessity.

• Exempts churches and qualified church-controlled organizations from these requirements upon written request, provided they notify employees in advance of which contraceptive methods will not be covered for religious reasons.

• Extends coverage requirements to the State and School Employees Health Insurance Plan and Mississippi Medicaid, with Medicaid provisions codified in a new section effective July 1, 2018.