If you or someone you know is struggling to pay for contraception, there are many options available.
The most effective reversible forms of birth control, the IUD and the Implant, can cost from $400-$1300 if you’re paying out of pocket. While they last for years, that up front cost can be tough. Pills, patches, rings, and the shot can cost $20-$75 per month, which can really add up over a year. Thankfully, there are lots of options to help you get the form of birth control that will work best for you, often at free or reduced prices!
$$ How to Pay for Birth Control $$
If you DO have health insurance:
⚈ You’re covered! Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, almost all health insurance plans must cover all types of birth control at no cost to you. (Only religious institutions can choose to deny coverage)
⚈ Note: If you are on your parents’ health insurance, be aware that the insurance company will likely notify them of the payment and what it was for.
If you DO NOT have health insurance coverage:
Maybe you can get it!
⚈ Visit healthcare.gov to see what low-cost plans you may be able to access.
⚈ If you are low-income, you may qualify for your state’s Medicaid program. (Eligibility criteria vary from state to state.) Call your local county human services department to find out and to apply.
⚈ If you are under the age of 19, but don’t qualify for Medicaid, you may be eligible for CHIP, the Children’s Health Insurance Plan. Call your local county human services department to find out and to apply.
If you still don’t have health insurance or don’t want to use it:
⚈ Many county health departments offer free or low-cost reproductive health services, including birth control. Call your local county health department or visit their website to find out.
⚈ Some states, such as Texas and Wisconsin, have programs to provide free birth control and other sexual health services for people of reproductive age who are lower income. Your local county health department will know if this is an option in your state.
⚈ Find an HRSA Health Center. These are primary care clinics that receive federal funding to provide health care, including birth control, on a no- or low-cost basis.
⚈ Find a local Family Planning Clinic. These centers receive federal Title X funding to provide low- or no-cost birth control.
⚈ Visit your local Planned Parenthood clinic. Planned Parenthood’s mission is all about preventing unwanted pregnancies, so they often have sliding-scale fee options available.
⚈ Some methods, including birth control pills, patches, rings and even the Depo shot are now available online from a variety of vendors. Buying birth control online can save you money, time, and hassle. Prices vary from $7-$25 for a pack of pills, so compare the different sites for your best option. (For more information about buying birth control online, see our recent post by clicking here.
⚈ Whatever you decide to use for birth control, stay safe and stock up in advance if you can. Having Emergency Contraception on hand, before you need it, can make your chosen method more secure.
Be well, and Happy Holidays from all of us.
Love,
Those Nerdy Girls
