Access to Birth Control Expanded for Millions Under New White House Rule
Proposal Would Allow Millions to Obtain Over-the-Counter Contraceptives without a Prescription
The White House has proposed a new rule that would allow millions of people with private health insurance to access over-the-counter reproductive health care methods, such as condoms, the "morning after" pill, and birth control pills, without a prescription. This move comes days before Election Day, as democrat candidate Kamala Harris affixes her presidential campaign to a promise of expanding women’s health care access.
Current Requirements
Currently, health insurers are required to cover the cost of prescribed contraception, including prescription birth control or condoms with a doctor’s prescription. However, the new rule would expand this coverage to include over-the-counter methods, allowing millions to buy these products without a prescription.
What’s Covered
The proposed rule would cover a range of emergency contraceptive methods, including levonorgestrel, also known as "Plan B," and Opill, a new over-the-counter birth control pill approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration last year. A one-month supply of Opill costs $20.
Impact on Women’s Health Care
The proposal would eliminate the need for doctor’s visits and copays, which can be a barrier to accessing birth control for many women. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists supports the new rule, stating that "birth control is a critical part of so many of our patients’ lives, but the simple truth is that even with insurance coverage, the cost of copays can be prohibitive for many people."
What’s Next
The proposal is currently under review by America’s Health Insurance Plans, the lobbying group for private health insurers. The rule may also face opposition from reproductive health care opponents, who argue that it goes too far.
FAQs
- What does the new rule propose?
The proposed rule would allow millions of people with private health insurance to access over-the-counter reproductive health care methods, such as condoms, the "morning after" pill, and birth control pills, without a prescription. - How does this benefit women’s health care?
The proposal eliminates the need for doctor’s visits and copays, making it easier for women to access birth control without financial barriers. - What does the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists say about the proposal?
The organization supports the new rule, stating that "birth control is a critical part of so many of our patients’ lives, but the simple truth is that even with insurance coverage, the cost of copays can be prohibitive for many people." - What’s next for the proposal?
The proposal is currently under review by America’s Health Insurance Plans, the lobbying group for private health insurers. The rule may also face opposition from reproductive health care opponents.
