“At the end of 2016 when the future of the ACA topped the headlines, we saw a significant increase in appointments, with a nearly 10-fold increase in women seeking long acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) like lUDs. These spikes illustrate how important the ACA has been for women and their real concerns about losing access to preventive measures like birth control. Maine women shouldn’t have to make healthcare decisions out of fear of political uncertainty and this bill is one way to provide some peace of mind.”
– Nicole Clegg, vice president of Public Policy with Planned Parenthood of Northern New England

What is the bill

This bill will require all healthcare plans in Maine to cover, without cost-sharing, the preventive services currently required under the Affordable Care Act, including coverage of birth control and preventative medications, as well as screenings for pregnant women, cancer, and sexually transmitted infection.

Why it matters

Healthcare is a human right. Although the ACA isn’t perfect, the preventative care requirement has allowed for the greatest advancement in women’s health in a decade. This past year, under the threat of “repeal and replace,” this bill was submitted to ensure that people in Maine would continue to receive the basic preventative services guaranteed by the ACA even in the case of a repeal.

What happened

LAW: This bill passed, was vetoed by the governor, and the governor’s veto was overridden. It is now law. (As is the Affordable Care Act, for now.)