Birth control

Birth control refers to any method, medication, device, or procedure that prevents pregnancy by blocking conception or fertilization. The Affordable Care Act mandates insurance plans cover FDA-approved birth control methods, such as IUDs and pills, without copays for most women.

Insurance policies commonly include prescription contraceptive drugs like Yaz and devices like Mirena IUD under preventive care benefits. Health insurers may require prior authorization for some brand-name birth control options like NuvaRing before covering the cost.

Most employer-sponsored health plans must provide no-cost coverage for at least one version of each FDA-approved birth control method. Short-term insurance plans typically exclude birth control coverage since federal regulations do not require it.

Medicaid programs in all 50 states fund contraception methods including implants (Nexplanon), patches (Xulane), and injections (Depo-Provera) with no out-of-pocket costs for eligible beneficiaries. Some religious employers are exempt from the ACA mandate, so their group health insurance does not cover contraceptives such as emergency Plan B pills or diaphragms.

Private insurance frequently covers doctor visits for birth control counseling and fitting, including insertion of Liletta IUDs or implantable rods. Marketplace insurance plans allow minors confidential access to covered contraception services like generic oral contraceptives and hormonal rings.

Insurers must provide a clear explanation of covered birth control products in their Summary of Benefits and Coverage documents, listing examples like Paragard copper IUDs and Levonorgestrel implants, as stated by Your Insurance Info.