In Maryland, it just got easier to get birth control under a sweeping law aimed at expanding and protecting access to contraception.
The new law, which was passed in 2016 but went into effect Jan. 1, requires insurers to provide most forms of birth control to patients with no out-of-pocket costs, including vasectomies or sterilization for men and over-the-counter birth control such as Plan B and other emergency contraception. The new law would also eliminate the need to get preauthorization from insurance companies for implants and IUDs.
Women will also be able to get contraception in six-month doses rather than having to refill prescriptions monthly.
Maryland is one of about a dozen states which passed laws to strengthen birth control access in response to gaps in contraception coverage under the Affordable Care Act, which allowed insurers to limit the forms of birth control they cover.