Scott Powers
Anticipating President Donald Trump federal policies to the contrary, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Andrew Gillum rolled out a policy statement Thursday that pledges to guarantee Florida women access to contraception.
Gillum, mayor of Tallahassee, said in a statement Thursday he would push for statewide legislation that would require health insurance policies that cover prescriptions to include full coverage for any FDA-approved prescription contraceptive drug or device.
Gillum’s proposal would prohibit insurers from imposing co-pays co-insurance fees or other costs for contraception.
Gillum faces Winter Park affordable housing developer Chris King and former U.S. Rep. Gwen Graham of Tallahassee in seeking the Democratic nomination to run for governor in 2018. Florida Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam is the only major Republican to enter the race.
In announcing the plan, Gillum’s campaign noted that contraception drugs also can reduce risks of certain kinds of cancer, manage debilitating symptoms, and treat diseases.
His plan would allow for exemptions for religious-based organizations, including hospitals and universities, similar to such an exemption in the Affordable Care Act.
“President Trump wants to turn back the clock and take essential healthcare away from women,” Gillum stated in a news release. “As governor, I’m going to stand with women and ensure that neither the government nor their employer, stand between a woman and her doctor in making the critical health decisions that affect her life. This is an essential part of providing better quality care and economic security and stability to more Floridians.”
A few other states already have passed legislation or otherwise required insurers to cover contraception at no cost to women.
“Access to contraception is such an important part of a woman’s health,” Annette Pelaez, MD, an obstetrician with Miami MDs For Women, stated in the news release. “This common-sense proposal would ensure that women in Florida can continue making responsible health decisions motivated by wellness, instead of by cost or coverage.”
