Agencies remind health plans to cover contraceptive services at no cost to patient

The Affordable Care Act requires non-grandfathered health plans to cover women's preventive services, including free birth control and contraceptive counseling, at no cost to individuals and covered dependents, the departments of Health and Human Services, Labor and Treasury reminded group health plans in a letter yesterday. According to the letter, plans must cover at least one form of contraception in each contraceptive category identified by the Food and Drug Administration, as well as clinical services, including patient education and counseling, needed to provide the contraceptive product or service.

"We strongly encourage plans and issuers to immediately ensure they are in compliance with these standards to avoid future enforcement actions," the agencies said.