California bill to make vasectomies cheaper goes to governor

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California lawmakers have voted to make vasectomies cheaper for men. The legislation passed Wednesday by the state Senate now heads to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s desk. If he signs it, California would join seven other states with similar legislation. The measure says that starting in 2024, private insurance plans would be required to cover vasectomies without charging co-pays or deductibles. California approved a similar law for abortions earlier this year. Washington, Oregon, New Mexico, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey and Vermont already have such requirements for coverage of vasectomies. The bill also requires insurance companies to cover the costs of over-the-counter contraceptives for women, including condoms.