Contraceptive Pearl: Birth Control for Less: Low-Cost Oral Contraceptives
The Affordable Care Act mandates free birth control pills for most patients with health insurance. However, uninsured people and many people with a religious employer don’t benefit from this policy. For uninsured and underinsured people, access to affordable contraception is difficult. Fortunately, there are several ways for clinicians to help patients get birth control pills at an affordable price.
Many birth control pills are available at a reduced or no cost through the manufacturers’ patient assistance programs. Program eligibility requirements vary, but generally patients must be a US resident or citizen, have proof of income, meet income restrictions, and be uninsured.
Some pharmacies offer generic birth control pills at a low cost. Walmart, for example, offers generic birth control pills for as little as $9/month. GoodRx allows patients to search pills by brand, displaying prices and coupons available at multiple pharmacies.
Many online pharmacies offer low-cost generic birth control pills. Pandia Health offers pills for $15/pack delivered to patients of any age, in any state. PRJKT RUBY offers pills as low as $20/pack. Many online providers of birth control pills require a consultation with a clinician, for which there may be a fee. Examples include Nurx, PlushCare, HeyDoctor, Favor, and Maven. Because some online pharmacies sell contaminated or ineffective medications, the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy provides a search tool to verify pharmacies’ safety.
Helpful Resources
Information on Pharmacies with Low-Cost Birth Control Pills
Progestin Only Pill (Mini-Pill) User Guide
340B Drug Pricing Program: Generic birth control pills ordered through the 340B program cost very little
Rx Assist: Database of patient assistant programs, allows search by medication or drug company
Sources
Pharma-free
The Reproductive Health Access Project does not accept funding from pharmaceutical companies. We do not promote specific brands of medication or contraception. The information in the Contraceptive Pearls is unbiased, based on science alone.
