New York state says its Medicaid program now covers contraceptive devices for women who don't want to get pregnant soon after giving birth.
Acting Health Commissioner Howard Zucker said Thursday that New York is one of the first states covering intrauterine devices and contraceptive implants.
Officials made the policy change in the spring. Now they're going public encouraging health providers to ensure women get the $350 to $700 devices immediately after delivery. They're also calling on private insurers to follow their lead.
Zucker says the devices are 99 percent effective and do not affect the ability to get pregnant in the future.
City Health Commissioner Mary Bassett says 3 out of 5 pregnancies in New York City are unplanned.
Copyright AP - Associated Press
