Affordability is Access Act of 2026
Requires insurance coverage of over-the-counter contraceptives without cost-sharing and protects access to them at retailers.
In three House committees since Sept. 24, 2026, 14 days after it was introduced. Most bills never leave committee.
- INTRODUCEDINTROSEP 24, 2026
- COMMITTEECOMM.IN COMMITTEE
- HOUSEHOUSE—
- SENATESENATE—
- LAWLAW—
What the bill would do, and why it matters
People can face cost and access barriers when they try to get birth control. The bill would clarify that insurance must cover FDA-approved over-the-counter contraceptives without a prescription or cost-sharing. It would also clarify prescription coverage and require retailers that stock over-the-counter contraception not to interfere with access to it or accurate information.
- INTRODUCED ONLY This bill has been introduced and possibly referred to a committee, but it has not passed any vote. Most introduced bills never become law — they die in committee without a hearing.
- DATA NOTE No Congressional Research Service summary was available.
- Require no-cost coverage for over-the-counter contraceptives
The bill would clarify that health plans and group or individual insurance coverage must cover FDA-approved over-the-counter contraceptives even when a patient has no prescription, without cost-sharing.
- Clarify coverage for prescription contraceptives
The bill would clarify that coverage includes FDA-approved prescription contraceptives. If therapeutically equivalent drugs or drug-led combination products are available, plans would have to cover at least one of them.
- Protect access at retailers
A retailer that stocks over-the-counter contraception could not interfere with a person's ability to obtain or buy it, or access medically accurate, comprehensive information about it. A retailer could refuse to provide the product if the person cannot pay directly, through insurance, or by another payment method.
- Preserve FDA authority and stronger protections
The bill would not change FDA review or approval authority. It also would not override federal or state laws that provide consumers with greater protections.
The bill cites gaps in contraceptive access despite existing coverage requirements. It says some people are not using their preferred method because of cost and that access can be particularly difficult for people who live far from health centers offering a full range of contraceptive methods.
The bill's stated purpose is to make birth control both easier to obtain and affordable. Its approach links insurance coverage for over-the-counter contraception with protections for access at retailers.
Written from the bill text.
The path it took, step by step
- IntroducedSEP 24, 2026HOUSESEP 24, 2026By Rep. Pressley with 34 original cosponsorsReferred to Education and Workforce, Energy and Commerce and Ways and Means
- SAME DAYNOWHouse committeesSEP 24, 2026EDUCATION & WORKFORCE · ENERGY & COMMERCE +1 NOWSEP 24, 2026In committee for 14 daysNo hearing yet
- 14 DAYS SO FARPassed the House—HOUSE FLOOR—Not scheduled
- Senate committee—SENATE—
- Passed the Senate—SENATE FLOOR—Not scheduled
- Resolve differencesONLY IF NEEDEDBOTH CHAMBERSONLY IF NEEDEDSkipped if the other chamber passes the same text
- Signed into law—PRESIDENT—10 days to sign or veto
- SEP 242026SEP 24, 2026REFERREDReferred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Education and Workforce, and Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- SEP 242026SEP 24, 2026INTRODUCEDHOUSEIntroduced in House
At day 14, this bill is already older than 3% of the laws passed this Congress were when they were signed.
Where your members stand on it
A coalition from 18 states
Plus the sponsor, a Democrat. Every cosponsor is from one party.
Plus the sponsor, a Democrat. Every cosponsor is from one party.
Rep. Pressley’s record: sponsored 43 bills this Congress. 1 passed the House; 0 became law.
- Nanette Diaz BarragánD-CA-44ORIGINAL
- Ami BeraD-CA-6ORIGINAL
- Shontel M. BrownD-OH-11ORIGINAL
- Julia BrownleyD-CA-26ORIGINAL
- Salud O. CarbajalD-CA-24ORIGINAL
- Troy A. CarterD-LA-2ORIGINAL
- Sean CastenD-IL-6ORIGINAL
- Judy ChuD-CA-28ORIGINAL
- Yvette D. ClarkeD-NY-9ORIGINAL
- Herbert C. Conaway, Jr.D-NJ-3ORIGINAL
- Jasmine CrockettD-TX-30ORIGINAL
- Laura FriedmanD-CA-30ORIGINAL
What readers think
Discussion
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