Indiana officials would run a birth control program for lower-income residents

The state health department would establish the program with local health departments and the family services office, then develop ways to distribute birth control. The program would serve Indiana residents whose household income is no more than 185% of the federal poverty level. The department may apply for available state or federal funding, grants, or programs. If enacted, the bill's provisions would take effect July 1, 2026.

Program rules would require parental consent before distributing birth control to anyone under 18, bar charges to recipients who qualify and receive it, and cap reimbursement at Medicaid rates. These rules would apply to birth control distributed through the program. Prescription birth control must come from a health care provider authorized to prescribe it.