Is My Birth Control Covered by My Insurance?

 In general, yes your health insurance coverage will include birth control methods at no cost--that is, the plan must cover birth control without copay whether you have met your deductible or not. Healthcare plans available through the healthcare exchange and plans provided by employer must provide this coverage with two exceptions--religious employers and non-profit religious institutions, such as hospitals. If your religious employer refuses to cover contraception, you will be required to pay out of pocket. If your non-profit employer refuses to contract or pay for contraception, a third party administrator will make arrangements for this benefit to be provided to you. 

Healthcare plans must provide coverage for FDA approved contraception methods. Per the guidelines at healthcare.gov, these are the approved method

• Barrier methods, like diaphragms and sponges

• Hormonal methods, like birth control pills and vaginal rings

• Implanted devices, like intrauterine devices (IUDs)

• Emergency contraception, like Plan B® and ella®

• Sterilization procedures

• Patient education and counseling

This means that you are entitled to birth control pills, vaginal rings, sponges, diaphragms, IUDs, and even tubal ligation through your insurance carrier with full coverage. If you are interested in receiving those services, we can help you research your coverage and eligibility, as well as assist in finding an in network provider to write your prescription or perform the procedure. 

Reproductive health is personal health. It is your lifelong health. You may not be able to afford the long-term consequences of putting this visit off today.