Advice

Is Birth Control Covered by Insurance? The Truth

Questions about your health insurance and birth control? Find out how the Affordable Care Act impacts your insurance policy and learn if your plan includes coverage for contraceptives.

FirstQuote Health Staff
Published on
January 31, 2023
Last Updated on
October 6, 2023
Birth control pills and pregnancy test

Knowing if birth control is covered by insurance can save a lot of money for any woman of reproductive age. With the cost of contraception on the rise, many women are finding it difficult to pay out of pocket. By understanding what types of birth control are covered by their health insurance plan, women are able to find affordable coverage that best suits their needs and budget. Additionally, learning about birth control coverage helps empower individuals to make informed decisions about their contraceptive options and prevent unplanned pregnancy.

The introduction of the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) created new opportunities for families to get affordable health insurance. While changes continue to be made, the Affordable Care Act is the law for qualified health plans and most employer-sponsored health coverage. Some of the big changes that shook up the healthcare industry include mandating coverage for individuals who have pre-existing conditions, expanding Medicaid options and requiring that contraceptive care is covered by affordable health insurance plans.

Is Birth Control Covered by Insurance?

Most insurance plans do cover contraceptive care as required by law. The Affordable Care Act requires that health insurance plans cover contraceptive care unless they qualify for a religious exception. If you see an in-network doctor for your prescription, your contraception should be covered 100%, with no copay.

Insurance coverage for birth control varies greatly depending on the type of plan, state laws, and insurance company. There are many types of birth control methods that may be covered by different insurance plans such as oral contraception pills, intrauterine devices (IUDs), patches, rings, shots, and implants. Some health insurance plans must cover regular well-woman visits related to birth control at no cost to you while other plans may charge a co-payment or co-insurance. It is important to review your plan's documentation to know what is specifically covered.

If you work for a religious employer who has objections to the use of contraceptives and you use employer-provided health insurance, your birth control may not be covered. Under the law, if an employer has been granted an exemption they are not required to sponsor health insurance plans that cover birth control. You could end up paying for the entire cost yourself if you find yourself needing contraceptive care.

What Are The Exceptions?

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) includes provisions that allow most people in the United States to access birth control prescriptions and supplies without out-of-pocket costs. However, there are still some exceptions for certain individuals and organizations, such as those who are part of a religious organization or have some other moral objections. In addition, health insurance plans purchased outside of the ACA Marketplace may not always cover all types of birth control. It is important to understand the specifics of your plan before making a decision about whether or not to pursue coverage for birth control.

Does Medicaid Cover Birth Control?

Medicaid is the federal- and state-funded program that provides health insurance to individuals and families with limited incomes. In general, Medicaid covers many types of birth control, including IUDs, contraceptive implants, oral contraception pills, patches, rings, and more. In most cases there is no charge for these services and supplies. However, coverage may vary from state to state so it is important to understand your own state’s Medicaid policy regarding birth control coverage.

Birth Control Without Insurance

Even if you do not have health insurance you can still get access to contraceptive care through organizations such as Planned Parenthood. If you do not have health insurance the professionals at Planned Parenthood are available to help you find out how to obtain the right method of birth control for you.

Planned Parenthood is a healthcare organization that is dedicated to helping individuals get the resources they need. You can be sure that your visit will be confidential and that you will be treated with respect no matter what brings you to the office. You can get many other services at Planned Parenthood besides contraception, including STD testing.

How Much Is Birth Control Without Insurance?

The cost of contraception without insurance varies depending on the method you chose. Some methods are more expensive than others. Organizations like Planned Parenthood will work with you, based on your income, to provide access to contraception if you do not have insurance.

The pill is one of the most cost-effective and reliable methods and can cost up to $50. NuvaRing is good for one month at a time and may cost up to $80. Other highly successful methods such as the implant can cost well over $1,000. If you can't afford the method that fits your needs visit your local Planned Parenthood office to discuss your options.

How to Get Free Birth Control Without Insurance?

If you do not have health insurance or if the birth control procedures that you need are not covered by your insurance, there are several ways to obtain free or low-cost birth control. Some states offer public family planning programs with no-cost contraception services to individuals without health insurance. Additionally, some community health centers and Planned Parenthood also offer a variety of low-cost and free birth control options. For more information on how to access these services, it is important to contact local organizations in your area.

Bottom Line

Purchasing health insurance is an important step for everyone to take, especially when it comes to covering the costs of birth control. It is important to remember that birth control is not only used for preventing pregnancy but also for regulating menstrual cycles and managing adverse symptoms associated with conditions like endometriosis. Having insurance coverage for these procedures can help reduce long-term costs of health issues related to birth control. In addition, having health insurance can provide peace of mind by ensuring that you will have access to safe and effective methods of contraception no matter your circumstances.

If you are in need of affordable health insurance, you should speak with a broker who can find you the best plan possible. The process of trying to find a plan that works well for you and is affordable can be quite daunting. Fortunately, there are resources that will help you along the way. Use this guide for advice on how to pick the best plan that works for you. You can also visit First Quote Health to get a free quote from an insurance agent.

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