MS HB542

Requires all health insurance policies, self-insured plans, and managed care entities issued in Mississippi on or after July 1, 2020 to cover FDA-approved contraceptive drugs, devices, emergency contraception, prescription contraceptives (up to 3-month supply initially, then 12-month supplies), voluntary female sterilization procedures, and related patient education and follow-up services without deductibles, copayments, or coinsurance.

Exempts policies purchased by churches or qualified church-controlled organizations from contraceptive coverage requirements upon employer request, with written notice to prospective enrollees listing which contraceptive methods will not be covered for religious reasons.

Requires the State and School Employees Health Insurance Plan to provide the same contraceptive coverage as mandated for private insurers under the bill.

Creates new section 43-13-117.3 to require Mississippi Medicaid, including managed care organizations and health plans, to provide identical contraceptive coverage without cost-sharing to Medicaid beneficiaries.

Allows coverage of therapeutically equivalent contraceptives with cost-sharing requirements if at least one option is available without cost-sharing; permits provider-recommended contraceptives to be covered without cost-sharing regardless of therapeutic equivalents.