Maryland News - 5/9/2016

[TexasTowelie]

Man accused of killing 3 in Maryland expected in court

Maryland rolling out new driver's license, ID cards

New law puts Maryland at 'forefront' of birth control access

[elleng]

1. the first state to require insurance companies to cover over-the-counter emergency contraceptives,

Advocates say a new Maryland law will place the state at the forefront of efforts to require insurance plans to offer birth control at no out-of-pocket cost, expanding access to women and men who want to prevent unwanted pregnancies.

The law goes further than President Barack Obama's Affordable Care Act, which already reduced costs for women seeking birth control in many cases.

Under the Contraceptive Equity Act, Maryland will be the first state to require insurance companies to cover over-the-counter emergency contraceptives, such so called morning-after pills, at no cost. Maryland also will be the first state prohibiting out-of-pocket costs for men who have vasectomies.

Advocates who pushed the bill through the General Assembly say Maryland is the first state to pass such a comprehensive approach.

Read more: www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/politics/bs-md-birth-control-copay-20160509-story.html