HEALTH

Obama: Insurers Must Cover Birth Control

Without copays.

The Obama administration has ordered health-insurance plans to cover birth control with no copays. The requirement will affect most insurance plans and comes as part of a broader initiative to expand women's preventive coverage. Breast pumps, an annual physical, and counseling on domestic violence will also be covered cost-free. The new benefits will begin at the start of 2013; insurers are expected to counter the new costs with pricier premiums. The rule was issued Monday by Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, and also includes a provision that would allow religious institutions to opt out of contraception coverage.