Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy recently decided to veto a bipartisan bill that aimed to require insurance companies to cover a year’s supply of birth control at once. This measure was believed to be crucial in ensuring access to birth control, particularly in rural areas. The governor’s spokesperson, Jeff Turner, mentioned that contraceptives are readily available, and mandating insurance coverage for a year was not considered sound policy.
The bill had received significant support in the state Legislature, with a 29-11 vote in the House and a 16-3 vote in the Senate, demonstrating bipartisan approval in both chambers. Notably, insurance companies did not oppose the measure, signaling general acceptance within the industry. Democratic Representative Ashley Carrick, the bill’s sponsor, expressed disappointment over Governor Dunleavy’s veto, emphasizing that the legislation aimed to guarantee access to essential medication like birth control for all Alaskans, irrespective of their location.