Is it possible to access free birth control?

The ACA requires most private health plans to offer free birth control and family planning counseling with no out-of-pocket costs.

Additionally, depending on your state and income status, you may qualify for Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Programme (CHIP).

If you don’t have health insurance or your plan doesn’t cover birth control, Planned Parenthood offers free or low cost birth control options.

What are some free birth control types?

The ACA ensures coverage of all FDA-approved birth control methods. However, some insurance plans may only cover specific medications or generic versions, but these include the following:

Diaphragm

A diaphragm is a circular dome, often made from silicone, that you insert into the vagina before sex. It covers the cervix so sperm can’t enter the womb. After sex, the diaphragm should remain in place for at least 6 hours to ensure adequate protection.

According to the United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS), the diaphragm is 92–96% effective with correct use. Sometimes, cystitis develops when using a diaphragm, and switching to a smaller size can help prevent this. Additionally, you may have a greater risk of developing vaginal infections.

Condoms

Condoms are sheath-shaped barrier devices you place over the penis to wear during sex. They act similarly to a diaphragm, but instead of protecting the womb, the condom acts as a barrier to sperm, preventing it from entering the vagina. The NHS states that condoms are 98% effective with correct use. Condoms can also help to stop the spread of sexually transmitted diseases.

Both condoms and diaphragms are single-use only.

Oral contraception

There are two types of contraceptive pills — progesterone-only and combined pills. The most common is the combined pill which contains estrogen and progesterone. It prevents pregnancy by stopping the ovaries from releasing an egg each month and thickening the mucus on the womb’s lining to prevent sperm from entering.

According to a 2022 report, approximately 25% of females ages 15–44 choose birth control in pill form.

When taken correctly, it’s over 99% effective. However, it can’t protect you from sexually transmitted diseases or infections.

Vaginal ring

A vaginal ring is a small plastic ring placed inside the vagina. Depending on the ring type, it works for up to a year, with a 7-day break every 5 weeks or 21 days. Like the contraceptive pill, it releases a continuous stream of estrogen and progesterone into the bloodstream to prevent pregnancy.

It can be more than 99% effective with correct use, but it cannot protect you from sexually transmitted diseases or infections.

Contraceptive injection

This is a progestin shot, given every 3 months, usually in the buttocks. It prevents the ovaries from releasing an egg each month and is more than 99% effective. It doesn’t protect from sexually transmitted diseases or infections.

The FDA does not recommend using the medroxyprogesterone (Depo Provera) injection as long-term medication or for more than 2 years due to the number of side effects it can cause.

Intrauterine Devices (IUDs)

IUDs are small devices inserted into and removed from the uterus by a doctor or healthcare professional. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the levonorgestrel intrauterine system (LNG IUD) is effective for 3–8 years, while the Copper T IUD is effective for up to 10 years.

IUDs can’t protect against sexually transmitted diseases or infections.

Emergency contraception

Emergency contraception is sometimes called the morning-after pill. Females can take the pill up to 72 hours after sex to help prevent pregnancy. It works by stopping the ovaries from releasing an egg.

It won’t affect future pregnancies, and as it is not an abortion pill, it won’t harm an existing pregnancy. It can’t protect against sexually transmitted infections or diseases.

The generic drug, levonorgestrel, is available through the ACA.

If you need help covering the cost of medications, the free Optum Perks Discount Card could help you save up to 80% on prescription drugs. Plus, you can now get them delivered to your home in as little as 3 days. Search for your medication here.

Are there countrywide options?

While the ACA is countrywide healthcare legislation, some birth control options provided through Medicaid depend on your state. For more specific information, you can contact Medicaid directly.

Planned Parenthood assistance may also differ by state residence.

Birth control costs

According to Planned Parenthood, the cost of each birth control option varies. The table below shows the estimated costs.

Does insurance cover birth control?

Most insurers, including Medicaid, do provide free birth control. However, some insurance companies will only cover specific birth control forms or generic drugs.

At the time of publication, religious employers and non-profit religious organizations don’t have to provide employees with free birth control through company insurance plans under the ACA. However, in February 2023, a proposed rule entered into the Federal Register hopes to make accessing free birth control easier for anyone choosing it.

Summary

Birth control options are varied and, under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), are more accessible and often free.

While many health insurance providers include free birth control options, not all do, so it’s important to check your health insurance policy details. Depending on your circumstances and the state you live in, you may be able to receive help through Medicaid.

At the time of publication, religious companies and non-profit religious organizations are not required to give employees free birth control.

Download the free Optum Perks Discount Card to save up to 80% on many prescription medications. Plus, you can now get them delivered to your home in as little as 3 days. Search for your medication here.