Washington State
House of Representatives
Office of Program Research
BILL
ANALYSIS
Health Care & Wellness Committee
SB 5498
Brief Description: Concerning contraceptive coverage.
Sponsors: Senators Alvarado, Slatter, Bateman, Cleveland, Frame, Liias, Lovelett, Nobles, Pedersen, Saldaña, Salomon, Stanford, Trudeau, Valdez and Wilson, C..
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Applies the requirement that health plans reimburse for a 12-month supply of contraceptives to all prescriptions, instead of only refills.
Hearing Date: 3/18/25
Staff: Jim Morishima (786-7191).
Background:

Health plans are required to cover contraceptive drugs without cost sharing.  A health plan must provide reimbursement for a 12-month supply of contraceptive drugs obtained at one time by the enrollee, unless the enrollee requests a smaller supply or the prescriber instructs the enrollee to receive a smaller supply.  The health plan must allow the enrollee to receive the contraceptive drugs on-site at the provider's office, if available.  The 12-month supply requirement applies only to refills of contraceptive drugs, not the original prescription.
Summary of Bill:

The 12-month supply requirement is applied to all prescriptions of contraceptive drugs, not just refills.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect on January 1, 2026.