H.R.2529 - Convenient Contraception Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.2529, the "Convenient Contraception Act," aims to amend the Public Health Service Act to require group health plans and health insurance issuers to allow enrollees to obtain a 365-day supply of contraceptives. This bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on April 1, 2025, and referred to multiple committees for consideration.
The bill mandates that health plans permit enrollees to obtain up to a year's supply of contraceptives at once, without additional cost-sharing. It also directs the Secretaries of Health and Human Services, Labor, and the Treasury to conduct outreach activities to inform healthcare providers and individuals about these new benefit requirements.
The Act is set to take effect for plan years beginning on or after January 1, 2026.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this bill, if enacted, would be to increase access to contraception by allowing individuals to obtain a year's supply at one time.
This could reduce the frequency of pharmacy visits and potential gaps in coverage. It also places a mandate on health insurance plans to comply with this provision, potentially affecting their administrative and financial operations.
Potential Benefits
- Increased convenience for individuals seeking contraception.
- Reduced risk of unintended pregnancies due to gaps in contraceptive access.
- Improved adherence to contraceptive regimens.
- Potential cost savings for individuals by reducing the number of pharmacy visits.
- Enhanced reproductive autonomy for women.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential increased costs for insurance plans, which could lead to higher premiums.
- Possible concerns about storage and handling of a large supply of contraceptives.
- Risk of waste if an individual changes contraceptive methods or no longer needs them.
- Potential impact on pharmacy revenues due to fewer refill visits.
- Some religious organizations may object to the mandate on religious freedom grounds.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's constitutional alignment is complex. While it doesn't directly infringe on any specific constitutional right, some might argue that mandating specific healthcare coverage could be seen as an overreach of federal power. However, Congress has broad authority to regulate interstate commerce, which could be used to justify the mandate on health insurance plans.
There is no direct violation of the enumerated powers, but the scope of the Commerce Clause could be debated. The bill does not appear to violate any specific amendments, such as the First Amendment's Establishment Clause or Free Exercise Clause, unless religious organizations are forced to provide coverage against their beliefs.
It aligns with the general welfare clause of the Constitution's preamble by promoting public health and access to healthcare.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).