Evofem Bioscience Inc. (NASDAQ: EVFM) has commended the US Health and Human Services, Treasury, and Labor departments for taking steps to clarify birth control coverage protections under the Affordable Care Act.
Evofem lauds the move to clarify contraceptives coverage under the ACA
Evofem Biosciences Saundra Pelletier stated, “Yesterday, the United States took a critical step forward in protecting the right to contraception. The Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Treasury released guidance clarifying that group health plans and insurers must cover contraceptives, including emergency contraceptives, at no cost to individuals.”
Pelletier added that it is incredibly satisfying that the government is helping individuals around the nation who work in advocacy groups and the commercial sector to develop contraception choices and get them entirely covered by healthcare plans. Many private health insurance plans are mandated by the ACA to offer free family planning and birth control services.
Despite the guarantees of the Affordable Care Act for free contraceptive coverage, obtaining the right contraceptive at no additional cost is onerous. Usually, new contraceptive types aren’t automatically incorporated into the federal list of methods insurers use in guiding coverage decisions.
The company’s market access team seeks to renew negotiations with pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) and insurers that are yet to be compliant with new guidelines to ensure Phexxi (lactic acid, citric acid, and potassium bitrate) is covered at no additional costs to patients.
Phexxi indicated for gonorrhea and chlamydia prevention
Evofem creates and markets novel products addressing the unmet reproductive and sexual health needs that include hormone-free, women-controlled contraceptives and protection from gonorrhea and chlamydia. Phexxi is the company’s first FDA-approved product which is a hormone-free, on-demand prescription vaginal gel contraceptive.
The vaginal gel is available in a box in a box of 12 pre-filled applicators and can be applied within 0 and 60 minutes before engaging in sex. Evofem expects the report top-line results from its investigational Phase 3 EVOGUARD clinical study evaluating Phexxi for two possible additional indications, the prevention of gonorrhea and chlamydia in women.
