IOM to recommend free coverage for contraception

The Institute of Medicine will recommend that insurers provide free coverage for contraceptives, according to a copy of the recommendations obtained by The Hill.

The highly anticipated recommendations are slated for public release on Wednesday. The IOM report says the Health and Human Services Department should classify eight categories of women's healthcare as preventive services that are available without a co-pay. The healthcare reform law made certain preventive care available without co-pays.

The IOM said "the full range of Food and Drug Administration-approved contraceptive methods, sterilization procedures, and patient education and counseling" should be covered for "all women with reproductive capacity."

It also recommends coverage for annual HIV tests for sexually active women, annual counseling on other sexually transmitted diseases and — for women older than 30 — testing for the human  papillomavirus.

Screenings for domestic violence also should be covered, the IOM said.