Regence BlueShield, a Washington State health insurer, was ordered to pay $148,000 for improperly paying claims for the removal of intrauterine devices since 2001.

A total of 948 women who were denied coverage for the prescription birth-control services will share in the money, according to Washington Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler.

From Jan. 1, 2002 to May 25, the Regence BlueShield repeatedly denied payment under a variety of different codes. Among them: “Condition not covered by this contract”, “This service for this condition is not covered by your plan”, and “Medical necessity for this service or supply has not been established,” according to a posting on Kreidler’s blog.

Just three of the women had appealed the rulings, state officials said. A Seattle woman filed a complaint with the insurance office, starting the investigation.

State law requires health plans that have comprehensive prescription drug coverage must cover prescription contraceptives.