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Committee hears bipartisan push to require insurers to cover menopause-related care
Summary
Lawmakers and medical professionals urged the committee to pass House Bill 3064 to require state-regulated plans to cover a range of perimenopause and menopause treatments. Supporters said coverage would improve long-term health, reduce later costs and support workforce participation; insurers said they already cover many services and sought
Representative Shelley Bossart Davis opened discussion of House Bill 3064, a measure to require state-regulated plans and public employee plans to cover evidence-based treatments for perimenopause, menopause and post-menopause, including hormone therapy and non-hormonal options.
Sponsor testimony highlighted personal experiences and the public-health argument that earlier coverage and treatment of menopause symptoms can reduce future chronic disease, improve quality of life and support workforce retention. Representative Lucetta Elmer, Representative Courtney Neron, and other lawmakers framed the bill as a preventive and equity measure; testimony emphasized that many women experience underdiagnosis and out-of-pocket costs for effective care.
Insurers and hospitals offered conditional support. Mary Ann Cooper of Regence said Regence’s coverage is already consistent with the bill and expressed appreciation for an amendment to limit covered therapies to FDA-approved treatments; she asked that utilization management tools remain in place. Travis Mavison of the Hospital Association of Oregon supported the measure as a way to remove barriers and administrative delays for patients. Medical witnesses, including OB-GYNs and researchers, described menopause-related work loss and long-term health impacts and urged broader access.
The committee closed the public hearing after taking testimony and said it would consider amendments on scope and the FDA-approved treatment language.
Why it matters Menopause and perimenopause affect half the population over time and can cause symptoms that interfere with work and long-term health. Proponents argue clearer coverage will reduce inequities and long-term costs; insurers said many carriers already provide this coverage and urged careful drafting to preserve appropriate utilization management.
