S.B. 458 – Rep. David Knezek
Current Status
S.B. 458 was introduced on June 14, 2017 and was referred to the Senate Insurance Committee.
Description
S.B. 458 is a state-level contraceptive mandate. This bill would require that all insurance policies sold in Michigan cover all contraceptives, intra-uterine devices (IUD), morning after pills and sterilizations free of charge.
Background
S.B. 458 is a preemptive strike against a possible repeal of the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare), which currently mandates contraceptive coverage for most health insurance plans.
History
The ACA imposed a nationwide mandate on all insurance companies to provide contraceptive coverage with no co-pays or deductible. Since it went into effect in 2013, there have been several lawsuits filled by various groups including RLM because some contraceptives are abortifacient. While RLM takes no position on true contraceptives, some contraceptives can cause early abortions by preventing implantation of the newly formed embryo. Those types of contraceptives are abortifacient and are opposed by RLM. The Little Sisters of the Poor and Hobby Lobby were the most notable cases. Both prevailed against the government and were relieved of the requirement to provide contraception against their firmly-held religious beliefs.