State Comptroller Nancy Wyman today announced that she has reached an agreement with two major insurance carriers to allow state employees to buy prescription oral contraceptives for about half the retail price and at no cost to the state.

Wyman, who procures health insurance for about 166,000 state employees, retirees and their dependents, said the agreement calls for employees to make a $13 co-payment for each month's prescription, which typically retail for about $30.

"I have always been an advocate for family planning and reproductive rights," Wyman said. "This plan provides an important health and financial benefit to our employees at no cost to the state."

Wyman also noted a study published in the American Journal of Public Health that showed use of contraceptives saves health care resources by preventing unwanted pregnancies, which account for about half of all pregnancies nationwide.

The program, scheduled to begin July 1, will allow employees covered by Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield and M.D. Health to obtain the prescriptions by mail order. Wyman said she will continue to try to negotiate even further reductions in the $13 co-payment.

"Oral contraceptives should cost no more than any other prescription drug," Wyman said. "I encourage all businesses and insurers to explore how they can lower the price of providing a benefit that is important to so many women and their families."

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For Immediate Release
April 6, 1998
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