Fine advances insurance coverage for prescribed at-home pregnancy tests

SPRINGFIELD - State Senator Laura Fine passed a measure through the Senate that would require health insurance providers to cover prescribed at-home pregnancy tests.

"Prescribed at-home pregnancy tests, like medications, should be covered by insurance for those who need them," said Fine (D-Glenview). "The purpose of this legislation is to reduce barriers to accessing necessary prescriptions and help patients obtain their tests."

While at-home pregnancy tests are available over-the-counter, prescribers require patients taking certain medications - like Accutane, a medication for severe acne - to take a monthly pregnancy test. For those who need pregnancy tests, Fine's measure extends privacy to patients by allowing tests to be concealed in the same paper bags as other pharmacy prescriptions.

House Bill 5643 would require all state employee health plans, Medicaid and private insurers to provide coverage for prescribed at-home pregnancy tests, regardless if the tests are available over-the-counter. The measure limits the number of tests to two every 30 days, except under Medicaid, where it is limited to a multipack every 30 days.

"I am particularly proud that this legislation brought together a broad coalition of supporters in the medical and advocacy community, including both Planned Parenthood of Illinois and the Catholic Conference of Illinois," said Rep. Tracy Katz Muhl (D-Northbrook). "Our communities are strongest when we come together to solve these kinds of everyday problems faced by Illinois families."

House Bill 5643 passed the Senate on Thursday and heads to the Governor's desk for further consideration.