The White House announced a new proposal on Monday that would allow individuals with private health insurance to obtain over-the-counter contraceptives, such as condoms, the “morning after” pill, and birth control pills, at no cost.
Currently, health insurers are required to cover prescribed contraception, including prescription birth control and condoms when provided by a doctor. The new rule aims to broaden this coverage, enabling millions of private insurance holders to access free contraceptives directly from local stores without needing a prescription.
This proposal comes just days before Election Day, with Vice President Kamala Harris highlighting her campaign’s focus on expanding women’s health care access. This push follows the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision two years ago to overturn nationwide abortion rights. Harris seeks to differentiate herself from her Republican opponent, Donald Trump, who appointed some of the judges responsible for that ruling.
“Today’s announcement builds on the Biden-Harris Administration’s strong record of defending access to reproductive health care and ensuring that women can make personal health care decisions,” said Jennifer Klein, director of the White House Gender Policy Council.
Among the emergency contraceptives that would be accessible without cost is levonorgestrel, commonly known as “Plan B.” This pill must be taken shortly after sexual intercourse to prevent pregnancy. Currently, without a prescription, women may pay up to $50 for a pack, and delays in obtaining the medication can reduce its effectiveness, particularly if taken more than 72 hours after intercourse.
If the new rule is implemented, insurers would also be required to cover the cost of Opill, a recently approved over-the-counter birth control pill. A month’s supply of Opill costs approximately $20.
The Affordable Care Act initially mandated that private health insurance plans cover contraceptive care, requiring plans to pay for FDA-approved birth control prescribed by doctors as a preventive service.
It’s important to note that this proposed rule would not affect individuals on Medicaid, the insurance program for low-income Americans. States have the flexibility to set their own rules regarding Medicaid coverage for contraception, and few currently include coverage for over-the-counter methods like Plan B or condoms.
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