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American Morning

Should Health Care Should Cover Prescription Contraception

Aired September 10, 2001 - 09:34   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
COLLEEN MCEDWARDS, CNN ANCHOR: Should private health insurance that cover the cost of viagra also be required to pay for birth control for women? Well, that is a question being debated today in the U.S. Senate.

Joining us from Washington now is CNN's Jeanne Meserve with a look at the issue of prescription equity. Hi, Jeanne.

JEANNE MESERVE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hi, Colleen. Many women say it just isn't fair that some health insurance plans that pay for wide array of prescription drugs, including in some cases viagra, do not cover contraceptive services.

Sixteen states have now passed contraceptive equity laws which mandate coverage of contraceptive services, and federal legislation is under consideration. There's a hearing here on it today, on Capitol Hill.

My guest today is going to be testifying, Jennifer Erickson. Thanks for joining us.

You highlighted this issue by bringing suit against your employer, Vartel Drugs, because they didn't cover the cost of your oral contraceptives. Why was this issue so important to you that you brought suit?

JENNIFER ERICKSON, PHARMACIST: Well, it's important to me because as a pharmacist I see women all day long at the pharmacy counter, and they're upset that their medication is not covered.

And for me it's really hard to explain to them when my own wasn't covered either. So, that's why it wasn't that hard to come and do this.

MESERVE: How significant are the cost of contraceptive coverage?

ERICKSON: Well, they're very significant for some women. Out of pocket for oral contraceptives, it can be anywhere from 30 to $35 a month, Depo-Provera can be up to $80. So, it's not just the prescription that is the issue here, it's also the fact that medical services weren't being covered either. The visit to the doctor to have the injection or to get the diaphragm fitted, which is also very expensive.

MESERVE: As a pharmacist, what do you see as the consequence of not covering these services?

ERICKSON: Well, the consequences are that women tend to use methods of contraception that aren't as effective as prescription contraception. They use condoms that have a less effective rate, or they tend to use other methods, maybe like a rhythm method. You see definitely higher percentages of unplanned pregnancies.

MESERVE: Now you know what the business community says. Some elements say, wait a minute, we don't need a federal mandate on covering this. If we do, the ultimate effect could be increase in health care cost and less insurance coverage for fewer women.

ERICKSON: No, I disagree with that. This is actually cost effective. Some studies that show that -- it doesn't cost insurance companies very much to cover this, but it does save costs in the long run; the cost of unplanned pregnancies and also of maternity leave for woman.

MESERVE: Jennifer Erickson, thanks so much for joining us.

ERICKSON: Thank you.

MESERVE: Jennifer is amongst those who will be testifying this afternoon. The hearing starts at 3:00 p.m. eastern, we'll be providing coverage throughout the day.

Colleen, back to you.

MCEDWARDS: Jeanne, thanks very much. Appreciate it.

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