Contraception Bill Heard in House Committee

January 19, 2023

Legislation that would require Medical Assistance and MinnesotaCare to reimburse for the provision of long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARC) upon request immediately following a delivery had its first hearing in the Minnesota House of Representatives this week.  

HF 210 (Bahner, DFL – Maple Grove), which was heard in the House Health Finance and Policy Committee this week, would also make it clear that the placement and removal of LARCs shall not require a co-payment or deductible. 

In a letter of support, the MMA noted that “LARC is a safe and highly effective for decreasing unintended pregnancy. The use of LARC in the immediate postpartum setting has the potential to provide cost savings and decrease the incidence of adverse maternal and child health outcomes.” 

Siri Fiebiger MD, MPH, FACOG, and Alex Vosooney MD, also offered support for the bill. “LARCs are highly effective and have a high level of patient satisfaction,” Vosooney said. “Without this bill, patients must go home and return at a later date if they choose to have a LARC inserted. This requirement is not based on what is best for the patient.” 

The bill attempts to ensure access to contraception in the postpartum period to reduce unintended pregnancy, improve maternal and neonatal health outcomes, and reduce costs. 

The bill was laid over for later inclusion in an omnibus health budget bill.