PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Read twice and referred to the Committee on HELP.
Congressional Research Service
Version 00 · Introduced in Senate · Apr 20, 1999
Access to Women's Health Care Act of 1999 - States that a group health plan or a health insurance issuer, in the case of a woman who has not chosen a primary care provider who is an obstetrics-gynecology specialist: (1) may not require primary care provider referral for gynecological care and pregnancy-related services; and (2) may treat the ordering by such specialist of additional obstetrical and gynecological care as authorization by the primary care provider. Prohibits a plan or issuer from taking specified actions to limit membership or reduce access to or use of obstetrics and gynecological services. Amends the Public Service Act, as amended by the Omnibus Consolidated and Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act, 1999 (including the individual market), the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), and the Internal Revenue Code to require compliance with such obstetrics and gynecological access provisions.
People & committees
Sen. Specter, Arlen [R-PA] · R–PA
Legislative record
A procedural vote is different from passage. Passage in one chamber does not establish enactment. Explore the glossary.
Read twice and referred to the Committee on HELP.
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S3919-3920)
Introduced in Senate
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Aug 20, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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