Budgeting for Birth Control: Finding Affordable Options

Birth control is a top concern in women’s healthcare. Most OB/GYN patients want workable options that they can afford. While the Affordable Care Act (ACA) guarantees coverage for birth control, not all health insurance plans are equal. This leaves some women concerned about finding and accessing affordable contraceptive options.

Let’s learn more about birth control methods and how to choose an option right for your health and budget.

What Kinds of Birth Control and Family Planning Methods Are Available?

There is a long list of contraceptive methods, medications, and devices available today. In fact, there are numerous options, each having its own distinct features, benefits, and side effects. Therefore, discussing your choices with your gynecologist first is suggested. You must understand what birth control methods would work well for you and how they can affect your overall wellness and your budget.

Examples of contraception include the following methods:

• Sterilization procedures that alter the reproductive system to avoid fertilization of the woman’s egg (tubal ligation for women or vasectomy for men as examples)
• Implantable devices (intrauterine devices or implantable progestin rods)
• Barrier methods (sponge, diaphragm, and male or female condom)
• Hormonal methods (most notably birth control pills or injections)
• Emergency contraceptives (Plan B or Ella)

What Can You Expect to Pay for Birth Control?

Birth control costs can vary widely. However, many health insurance policies cover some of the costs, depending on which carrier you have or if you have health insurance at all.

For instance, insurance plans offered through the federal government’s Health Insurance Marketplace are required to pay for birth control and counseling as delivered by a Bonafide healthcare provider.

Government-sponsored health insurance copays for birth control medications, office visits, and more. This is true even if the patient has not met the policy’s required annual deductible. A deductible is out-of-pocket money paid to providers before health insurance begins covering healthcare costs.

It is worth noting that many religious and not-for-profit employers offer health insurance to their employees. However, they are not required by law to offer coverage for contraceptives or birth control advice from healthcare providers.

If this is your employment and health insurance situation, you must pay all costs out of pocket. This is an important consideration that impacts your household budget.

In summary, you need to know what your health insurance does and does not cover in terms of:

• OB/GYN visits and counseling on contraceptive methods
• Annual deductibles
• Copays for office visits and medications or procedures

Knowing your financial obligations for your care in advance will help you budget for birth control costs as needed.

A Final Word on Birth Control Affordability

The ability to access and afford the birth control method of your choice is very important to your peace of mind. We recommend you understand each contraceptive option, its action, side effects, effectiveness, and costs before making a final decision.

Ensure to talk about contraception with your OB/GYN physician. She will guide you through the reasons for using contraceptives, how they work, how often you need to check in with your provider, and more.

Education about your body and the options you have in women’s healthcare is very empowering. It is also vital to your health now and in the future.

OB/GYN Services in Wooster, OH

At Wooster Community Hospital in Wooster, OH, we offer comprehensive, accessible, and affordable health services to women of all ages and walks of life. Our board-certified physicians and their caring team of professionals are passionate about patient education. After all, it is a vital part of healthcare for everyone who comes through our doors.

To arrange an informative consultation with one of our board-certified providers, call us today at (330) 202-5540 or fill in our secure appointment request form here. Our women’s health providers see patients at our Women’s Specialty Center and the Women’s Pavilion.

We would love to help you make great decisions for your health and wellness.