By Bob Katzen

Gov. Maura Healey announced two standing orders that will allow eligible MassHealth members and Health Safety Net patients to access prenatal vitamins and over-the-counter oral contraceptives at no cost. Advocates say the move is part of the administration’s commitment to improving reproductive and maternal health outcomes and reducing health disparities for women and infants.

“Our administration is committed to expanding access to reproductive and maternal health care across Massachusetts,” said Gov. Healey. “We know that prenatal vitamins and birth control play a really important role in women’s health. With these orders we are making it easier and more affordable for people to make the best health care decisions for themselves, will improve health outcomes for women and babies and will reduce health disparities.”

“We’re working to make sure that everyone in Massachusetts has access to the health care tools they need to live their best lives,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Kate Walsh. “Now, MassHealth members can get prenatal vitamins and birth control pills for free, over-the-counter. Removing barriers like this is one of the simplest ways we can work toward better health outcomes for mothers and infants in our state.”