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SB23-189 works to make reproductive health care more accessible and affordable
DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation on a preliminary vote to make reproductive health care, including abortion and treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STI), more equitable and accessible. SB23-189 is part of the Safe Access to Protected Health Care legislative package and works to increase insurance coverage and close accessibility gaps for reproductive health care.
“No one should have to put off life-saving, reproductive health care because they can’t afford it,” said Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City. “We’re one step closer to securing expanded access to reproductive health care by reducing surprise billing and filling gaps in insurance coverage. I was able to pay for my own abortion, but not everyone can access or afford the care they need. Our bill makes it easier for Coloradans, regardless of zip code or income level, to access the full range of reproductive health care services.”
“Accessing the health care you need shouldn’t rely upon how much money you have or if you can find a provider in your community,” said Rep. Lorena Garcia, D-Unincorporated Adams County. “Our legislation works to break down accessibility barriers to receiving reproductive health care, which are disproportionately placed on our most marginalized communities. Coloradans deserve access to the full range of reproductive health care, including abortion and STI treatments. We are committed to securing reproductive justice for all and breaking down the systematic barriers that keep our neighbors from accessing care.”
Increasing Access To Reproductive Health Care: SB23-189 would limit surprise medical billing and remove patient cost sharing for reproductive health care services and treatment, including but not limited to sterilization, STI and abortion care.
This bill expands access to contraception and related information for all Coloradans, specifically for minors, by modernizing a 1971 law currently in place and aligning it with Colorado’s Public Health code. Additionally, this bill expands family-planning related services and treatment for routine visits. Through the Family Planning Access Collaborative created in the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), the department would work to examine issues related to access to family planning services, gaps in coverage, and confidentiality of services.
SB23-189 additiontally prioritizes access to life-saving HIV medication by including coverage for the treatment and prevention of HIV by health benefit plans.
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