What We're Reading: Customers Sue Centene; Abortion Pill Study; NH Birth Control Bill

Customers Sue Centene Over Lack of Coverage

A lawsuit brought forth by customers who bought health policies from Centene alleges that the company did not provide adequate access to doctors and misrepresented its coverage. According to The New York Times, policy holders had trouble finding or could not find providers who would accept them with the policy they purchased. The lawsuit was filed in federal court in Washington State. Last month, Washington State regulators fined Centene up to $1.5 million for its insufficient network for its Affordable Care Act plans.

Study Finds Abortion Pill Safe, Effective

The abortion pill RU-486 has been around since the 1980s, but questions of its safety have lingered ever since. A new study in Peru has corroborated previous findings that at-home abortions using the pill are as safe and effective as abortions administered in the clinic, reported The Washington Post. The researchers noted that giving women around the world, particularly in countries with restrictive abortion laws, access to and information on the abortion pill can improve health outcomes and save lives.

NH Considers Dispensing Birth Control Pills at Pharmacies

Pharmacists in New Hampshire may be able to dispense birth control pills as the state considers a new bill. New Hampshire would join California, Oregon, and Washington if it becomes law, according to New Hampshire Union Leader. The bill calls for a creation of statewide protocols, and the deputy director of Public Health Services at the state Department of Health and Human Services explained that the bill could address the rate of unintended births, which is 4 in 10 births in New Hampshire. At least 11 other states and the District of Columbia are considering similar legislation.