Bill would require private insurers in Tennessee to cover year’s supply of birth control

A Hamilton County lawmaker has introduced a bill that would require private insurance companies to cover a year’s supply of prescription contraceptives and allow individuals to receive the full supply up front.

State. Rep. Esther Helton-Haynes, R-East Ridge, said the bill would help people who live far from pharmacies or face obstacles picking up prescriptions by giving them consistent access to the medication throughout the year.

(READ MORE: Tennessee Rep. Helton-Haynes named ‘Hospital Hero’ for abortion law amendment)

“If you miss a pill or two,” Helton-Haynes said in an interview, “sometimes you end up pregnant.”