Public support for contraceptive coverage under the Affordable Care Act lags behind support for other preventive care benefits, according to a survey of 2,124 adults.
The survey, conducted by researchers at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor and published April 22 in JAMA (doi:10.1001/jama.2014.4766]), comes as the Supreme Court debates whether to strike down the health reform law’s contraceptive mandate. A decision is expected in June.
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Only 69% of respondents said that all health plans in the United States should be required to include coverage for birth control medications.
Overall, 69% of respondents said that all health plans in the United States should be required to include coverage for birth control medications. But support was higher for other preventive services mandated under the ACA, including mammograms and colonoscopies (85%), recommended vaccines (84%), screening tests for diabetes and high cholesterol (82%), and mental health care (77%).
Support for contraceptive coverage was highest among women, black and Hispanic respondents, parents with children living at home, and respondents who had health insurance. Education and income did not play a role, according to the researchers.
The study was funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Clinical Scholars program and the University of Michigan Health System. Dr. Matthew M. Davis, one of the study authors, reported that he serves as chief medical executive for the Michigan Department of Community Health. No other disclosures were reported.
mschneider@frontlinemedcom.com
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