Lawmakers OK Year's Supply Of Birth Control

(AP) - California women who take birth control could face fewer trips to the pharmacy under a bill moving through the Legislature.

SB999 would require insurers to cover up to a 12-month contraception supply at one time, rather than 30- or 90-day amounts.

The Assembly voted 62-5 Wednesday to send the bill to the Senate to approve amendments.

Supporters argue birth control is most effective when taken consistently. They say longer supplies would reduce skipped doses and bring fewer unintended pregnancies.

Two groups representing insurers had asked for changes to delay the bill's starting date by one year and to allow insurers to request a patient that be stabilized on the method before receiving a full year's supply.