We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process. Show
Health insurance may cover birth control and other sexual health services. Some family planning clinics and public health offices may provide free or low cost options for those without insurance. Also, people with lower incomes may be eligible for reduced-cost birth control through programs such as Medicaid. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 65.3% of women ages 15–49 in the United States used birth control between 2017 and 2019. The Affordable Care Act, informally known as Obamacare, requires most health insurance plans cover birth control and associated expenses, such as doctor’s visits. There may be other ways to access free or low cost birth control for people without health insurance. This article describes the different types of birth control, how to access free or low cost options, and when to see a doctor for advice. There are many varieties of prescription and over-the-counter birth control, including:
Anyone interested in hormonal methods of birth control may need to make an appointment with a healthcare professional for a prescription. Learn more about the different types of birth control here. Barrier methodsBarrier birth control methods include over-the-counter (OTC) products, such as condoms. The only types of barrier birth control that require a doctor’s visit are the diaphragm and the cervical cap. Barrier methods are generally less effective than other forms of birth control. Failure rates for popular barrier methods range from 13% for condoms to 27% for the sponge. People who have been pregnant may find the sponge less effective than people who have never been pregnant. IUDsIntrauterine devices (IUDs) are T-shaped devices that a doctor inserts into the uterus. The devices may be nonhormonal and made from copper, or hormonal and made from plastic. According to the CDC, a person can use the same IUD for 3–10 years, depending on the type. The CDC also reports that the failure rate for IUDs is less than 1%. Other hormonal birth control methodsOther hormonal methods of birth control include:
Emergency contraceptionEmergency contraception is available in different forms. A person may use it if their primary birth control method fails or if they have had sex without using contraception. In the United States, emergency contraception is available as levonorgestrel (Plan B) and ulipristal (Ella). Both pills contain hormones. It is also available as the Paragard IUD. Some of these options are available without a prescription. Learn about buying emergency contraception online. Permanent birth controlPermanent birth control methods are surgical procedures that people sometimes call “sterilization.” A person with female reproductive organs can have a tubal ligation, in which a surgeon ties, off, cauterizes, or removes the fallopian tubes. A person with male reproductive organs can have a vasectomy, in which a surgeon blocks or cuts the vas deferens tubes that supply the semen with sperm. Both male and female sterilization procedures have less than a 1% failure rate. Many factors can influence access to free birth control, including:
General considerationsThe American College of Gynecologists recommends considering the following before settling on a type of birth control:
A healthcare professional can discuss a person’s options and help them choose an appropriate birth control method. Under the Affordable Care Act, U.S. health insurance plans must cover the costs of FDA-approved birth control methods, alongside birth control counseling and education. Specifically, the Affordable Care Act requires that plans cover the costs of:
However, insurance plans do not have to cover either of the following:
The logistics of acquiring free birth control depend on the kind of birth control a person wants and whether they have health insurance. Some types of birth control require a prescription. The cost of the doctor’s appointment may also be covered if a person has insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace or an employer that does not have a religious exemption. At the appointment, a person discusses their preferred method of birth control with a doctor. The doctor carries out an examination, asks some questions, and may write the prescription. Some healthcare facilities may be able to provide birth control right away. For people without insurance, the following places may offer options for low cost birth control:
In the U.S., people with low incomes may qualify for healthcare under Medicaid. This is a jointly funded state and federal program that helps reduce the cost of healthcare for people who:
The birth control methods that Medicaid covers vary from state to state. The state’s Medicaid office can provide more specific information. If a person is not eligible for Medicaid, they can check for free or low cost healthcare options with their nearest:
Learn how Medicaid is different from Medicare here. People can purchase birth control online by registering with a telehealth company. Some companies offer a consultation with a doctor who issues a prescription. The company may then send the prescription to a local pharmacy. Alternatively, they may send the medications to the person’s home. Learn more about purchasing birth control online. A telehealth consultation may be less expensive than a doctor’s visit. However, telehealth companies can only provide birth control that people can use without medical assistance, such as barrier methods or the pill. A person may need to see a healthcare professional in person to receive other forms of birth control, such as an IUD, diaphragm, or implant. The following are a selection of telehealth companies that offer birth control:
Some clinics also offer telehealth consultations for new and existing patients to discuss birth control. People can access these using mobile devices. Learn more about where to get birth control online here. Under the Affordable Care Act, most health insurance providers must cover birth control costs, but this does not include vasectomies. However, Planned Parenthood reports that many insurance companies cover some or all of the vasectomy costs. Medicare Parts A and B do not cover vasectomies because the plan considers them elective procedures. However, some Medicare Advantage plans may cover some or all costs. Sexually active people may wish to discuss their birth control options with a healthcare professional who can:
A person should contact a doctor about birth control if:
Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about free or low cost birth control: What is the cheapest type of birth control?The cheapest type of birth control depends on many factors, including a person’s insurance coverage and access to free or low cost options. Also, people must consider whether they prefer lower monthly payments or a larger up-front cost. For example, the pill can cost around $10–20 per pack and lasts about a month, making the yearly cost $120–240. For comparison, an IUD may cost up to $1,300 and last up to 10 years, resulting in a yearly cost of $130. The birth control method with the lowest up-front cost is male condoms. However, these are only 87% effective at preventing unintentional pregnancy, whereas IUDs are 99% effective, and the pill is 93% effective. Where should I go if I do not have insurance?People who do not have insurance can sign up for a telehealth service or visit a local nonprofit, community, or university clinic. Some of these may be called “Title X” clinics or “FQHCs.” We provide links and more specific information above. A telehealth consultation may be cheaper and more convenient than a doctor’s visit, and some companies offer automatic refills. However, not all types of birth control are available via these services. Is birth control free through the Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare?The Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, mandates that most insurance companies must cover the costs of FDA-approved birth control. However, a person should check their insurance plan before choosing a method of contraception. How do I decide which type of birth control to use?When choosing a method of birth control, a person should consider the following:
A healthcare professional can describe the available options and make recommendations. There are many types of birth control. Some require a prescription or in-office medical procedure. In the U.S., many people have access to free birth control through the Affordable Care Act and their health insurance plans. People without insurance may be able to access free or low cost birth control at a local nonprofit, community, or university clinic. Some of these may be called Title X clinics or FQHCs. Coverage through Medicaid may also be an option. Why should birth control not be free?So contraceptives should not be “free,” as making them “free” would raise their real cost and unfairly and unnecessarily force others to pay for them, including people with a moral objection.
Why is my insurance charging me for birth control?So if you're still getting charged for your birth control or birth-control-related services, it may be because your insurance company is bending the rules. Several recent studies have found that some insurance companies aren't covering everything the law says they should.
Does insurance cover birth control 2022?In January 2022, the tri-agencies issued additional guidance to make clear that insurers and plans must cover, without cost sharing, all FDA-approved, cleared, or granted contraceptive products that are deemed medically appropriate by an individual's provider.
Is there a charge for birth control?Birth control pills cost between $0–$50 a month. They can be totally free with most health insurance plans, or if you qualify for some government programs. You can get a prescription for the birth control pill from a doctor or nurse at a doctor's office, health clinic, or your local Planned Parenthood health center.
|