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House passes bill allowing one‑year pharmacy supply of contraceptives
Summary
The Tennessee House passed House Bill 169 to let people obtain an annual supply of birth control from pharmacies through private insurance; sponsors said it reduces trips to the pharmacy, and sponsors said it does not authorize public funding for emergency contraceptives or IUDs.
The Tennessee House on third reading approved House Bill 169, a measure that would allow people with private insurance to pick up a 12‑month supply of contraceptives at the pharmacy instead of refilling every one to three months. Chairlady Hilton Haynes, the bill’s sponsor, said insurers already cover birth control and the bill simply facilitates receiving a year’s supply at once.
“All this bill does, insurance companies are already required to provide coverage for birth control and providers already largely scribe a 12 month supply. This bill would merely allow a person to pick up an annual supply at the pharmacy so they don't have to go every back every 1 to 3 months,” Chairlady Hilton Haynes said.
Opponents raised questions about whether public dollars could be used for emergency contraception or intrauterine devices. During floor questioning Representative Fred asked, “Will this allow public funds to be expended for morning after pills or IUDs?” Haynes replied, “No. It does not,” and clarified the measure applies to private insurance.
Supporters framed the bill as an access and convenience issue; opponents said they would oppose public funding for certain products if that were at issue. The clerk announced the bill received a constitutional majority and the House declared it passed.
