Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
While Natural Cycles App Got FDA Approval For Birth Control, Insuring It Under The Health Law Raises Questions
Stat: Does Obamacare Mandate Coverage Of Natural Cycles' Contraception App?
The Affordable Care Act’s embattled requirement to cover contraceptives ought to include the smartphone app that’s FDA-cleared to prevent pregnancy, according to experts. But it’s anyone’s guess how that might work. The company that makes the app, also called Natural Cycles, clearly thinks insurers might be willing. Its product costs $79 per year or $9.99 per month. Soon, someone will fill an open position at the company and begin liaising with U.S. insurers — including, potentially, Medicaid. (Sheridan, 9/18)
CQ HealthBeat: Abortion Opponents Campaign On 20-Week Ban On Procedure
Abortion opponents are working to change the election's outcome especially in battleground Senate races by reminding their allies of President Donald Trump's effort to push through that chamber a federal 20-week ban on the procedure. The election effort comes after Trump asked the audience at a May gala benefiting the anti-abortion group Susan B. Anthony List to help him reach midterm voters. He highlighted a House-passed bill (HR 36), which didn't pass the Senate, to ban abortions after five months. (Raman, 9/18)
