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SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — The Illinois Legislature has approved a November ballot question asking voters if they think prescription drug coverage plans should be required to include birth control.
The House voted 62-48 on Friday to approve the measure. Illinois already requires insurance providers that cover prescription drugs to also cover FDA-approved contraceptive drugs for women. It has been the law since 2003.
Democratic Rep. Kelly Cassidy of Chicago is a sponsor. She argues the referendum will strengthen the law in light of the Affordable Care Act, but says it hasn't been challenged in Illinois.
Republican Rep. Ron Sandack of Downers Grove says the legislation is pointless. He says it is an obvious attempt to boost Democratic voter turnout.
The question could be among several non-binding ballot measures.
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The bill is HB5755.
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