How to Get Birth Control Pills Without Insurance
Birth control pills can be obtained easily without insurance, but the cost may be high 2. Having health insurance can reduce the cost of the cervical exam that is performed once per year before a prescription for birth control is provided 2. Health insurance can also reduce the cost of the pills themselves. Women who don't have health insurance have a few resources that can help them reduce the cost of obtaining pills without insurance or paying exorbitant fees.
Contact a local birthing facility, women's clinic or Planned Parenthood 1. Planned Parenthood has a facility finder tool that locates the nearest office to you (see Resources).
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Ask the facility what the fees will be for a pelvic exam and the cost of birth control pills 2. Determine if these amounts are affordable. If they aren't, ask about any assistance plans the facility may offer. Some states have outreach programs that help women by paying for the costs associated with getting the pill. Planned Parenthood has income-based programs that reduce the costs, sometimes offering the pills and exam for free or for a minimal donation 1.
Schedule the pelvic exam and fill the prescription given by the health care provider. the TeensHealth website points out that most pills cost between $15 and $50 a month, and a pelvic exam is usually required every 12 months in order to get a prescription.
Tips
Some birthing facilities allow a woman to pick up a pack of birth control pills every month for free or for a donation based on her financial information. The facility will evaluate her income and determine whether she can afford the cost of the exam or the cost of pills.
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References
- Planned Parenthood: Free Birth Control & Annual Exams
- TeensHealth: Birth Control Pill
- Over-the-Counter Access to Hormonal Contraception: ACOG Committee Opinion, Number 788. Obstet Gynecol. 2019;134(4):e96-e105. doi:10.1097/AOG.0000000000003473
- Curtis KM, Jatlaoui TC, Tepper NK, et al. U.S. Selected Practice Recommendations for Contraceptive Use, 2016. MMWR Recomm Rep. 2016;65(4):1-66. doi:10.15585/mmwr.rr6504a1
- Peipert JF, Madden T, Allsworth JE, Secura GM. Preventing unintended pregnancies by providing no-cost contraception. Obstet Gynecol. 2012;120(6):1291-7.
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Writer Bio
Sarah Harding has written stacks of research articles dating back to 2000. She has consulted in various settings and taught courses focused on psychology. Her work has been published by ParentDish, Atkins and other clients. Harding holds a Master of Science in psychology from Capella University and is completing several certificates through the Childbirth and Postpartum Professional Association.