There's Hope! Maryland makes birth control, Plan B, vasectomies free

[Sabrina]

Well, in 2018 at least.

Unlike laws which try to restrict access to contraceptive healthcare, Maryland is apparently leading the charge to make ALL birth control, not just a particular brand or type approved by an insurance company, free to everyone. Called the Maryland Contraceptive Equity Act, the bill aims to eliminate co-pays for all forms of birth control, and will even include vasectomies for men in that. Gov. Hogan (who is, surprisingly, Republican), signed the bill into law on Tuesday.

Considering that there are some states (I'm looking at you, Louisiana) that are busily passing laws that try to RESTRICT access to this type of healthcare, it's refreshing to see that at least one state is trying to make it more readily accessible.

 

[Steve001]

Maryland is a good state to live in. I may know someone that had a hand in making this happen, I'll have to check with her.

 

[catsmate]

How remarkably progressive. I see Hogan is described as "the nation's most pragmatic Republican governor" and is not supporting Trump.

 

[Mumbles]

It's one good move for Hogan - who, to be clear, is still somewhat backwards on many social issues, and mostly ran on taxes (and the so-called "rain tax" in particular) and economic issues. His big claim to fame is that, as a republican governor, he isn't a cartoonish supervillain along the lines of Brown, Brownback, Snyder, Jindal, LaPage, McCrory, and so on.

 

[Beerina]

...and Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump and Ted Cruz and Bernie Sanders...

 

[AdamSK]

Seems like a good move. Lots of evidence that broad access to contraception has positive outcomes.

 

[kookbreaker]

So how long before they drive him out of the party as a RINO?

 

[Trebuchet]

How many Hobby Lobby's do they have there? And how long before they file suit? Because contraception is only for sluts, of course.

 

[Sabrina]

How many Hobby Lobby's do they have there? And how long before they file suit? Because contraception is only for sluts, of course.

Haven't a clue. Never seen one here, tbh.

(yes, I live in Maryland.)

Google puts the number at about ten in the entire state. None are near where I live though.

 

[AdamSK]

How many Hobby Lobby's do they have there? And how long before they file suit?

Why would Hobby Lobby file suit about this, when this is exactly what they wanted to happen? They successfully sued for the option of having the government pay for contraception for their employees rather than making them pay for it.

 

[Sabrina]

Why would Hobby Lobby file suit about this, when this is exactly what they wanted to happen? They successfully sued for the option of having the government pay for contraception for their employees rather than making them pay for it.

Actually, I think that now means that any insurance Hobby Lobby offers its workers in Maryland now has to include this. Which means, since they pay subsidies or whatever they're called to the insurance company(ies) they choose to offer their employees, they're essentially now paying for birth control.

But then again, I am by no means an expert and will happily accept it if I'm wrong.

 

[AdamSK]

Actually, I think that now means that any insurance Hobby Lobby offers its workers in Maryland now has to include this. Which means, since they pay subsidies or whatever they're called to the insurance company(ies) they choose to offer their employees, they're essentially now paying for birth control.

But then again, I am by no means an expert and will happily accept it if I'm wrong.

No, you're right - this is exactly the sort of requirement that Hobby Lobby was fighting against with regards to Obamacare. The difference is, Maryland doesn't have an RFRA. So Hobby Lobby may be stuck this time.