OLYMPIA –
The Washington State Senate voted 28-17 today to pass the Reproductive Health
Access for All Act (RHAA).
Senate
Bill 5602, sponsored by Sen. Emily Randall
(D-Bremerton), prohibits health care discrimination on the basis of immigration
status or gender identity.
“Our state has a proud history of protecting and expanding
reproductive freedom,” said Randall. “But our transgender and undocumented
neighbors have faced continued discrimination and barriers to care. This bill
protects the most vulnerable communities and provides access to the essential health
care they need and deserve.”
The RHAA creates a state-funded program to cover
family planning services for undocumented Washingtonians who would be eligible
for the federal Take Charge program if not for their immigration status. It
also prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender identity in all
reproductive health services covered by Medicaid and private insurance plans.
In addition, it extends reproductive health care access requirements to student
health plans.
Last year, the Senate passed Sen. Steve Hobbs’s
Reproductive Parity Act (SB
6219), which required all insurance plans in Washington state that
cover maternity care to also cover the full range of reproductive health
services.
The bill now goes to the state House of
Representatives for consideration.
All official press releases from Incoming Rep. Emily Randall (D-WA)
