Reproductive health services are essential for improving health outcomes and promoting health equity. State policies that support insurance coverage for contraception improve the access, quality, and coverage of evidence-based reproductive health services. Public health departments and their partner agencies can play a critical role in shaping the design of reproductive health policies and overseeing their implementation.
The Contraception Access Learning Community, led by the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) through support from Arnold Ventures, supported six cross-agency state workgroups navigating program and policy opportunities related to contraception access. Through technical assistance from ASTHO and the Center for Health Care Strategies, learning community participants developed strategies to address gaps in contraception access and provide better care across the lifespan.
Following are profiles that highlight activities in two states, New Jersey and Texas, that participated in the learning community. Lessons can guide public sector leaders and their partners in other states working to expand access to reproductive health services:
- Moving from Design to Implementation: Lessons on Expanding Contraception Access in New Jersey — State officials in New Jersey are implementing contraception access bills that require insurers to cover 12-month supplies of contraceptives and enable pharmacists to dispense contraceptives without a prescription. This profile offers lessons from the state’s cross-agency efforts to expand contraception access.
- Public Health Leader Profile: Joy Borjes on Leading Teams Through Change — Under the leadership of Joy Borjes, Texas’ Associate Commissioner for Family Health Strategy, women’s health programs in the state redesigned a long-acting reversible contraceptive toolkit, strengthened partnerships, and received increased funding from the Texas legislature. This profile highlights lessons from the successes of Joy’s team in advancing women’s health access.
