I Lost My Insurance Coverage for Birth Control. Now What?

At Planned Parenthood Gulf Coast, we know that birth control is basic health care. It is critical, time-sensitive medication that treats serious conditions and allows people to plan if and when they get pregnant. For this reason, it’s also inextricably linked to economic stability and advancement, and is one of society’s most potent tools in the fight to advance race and gender equity.

Unfortunately, on July 8, the U.S. Supreme Court decided your employer or university can choose whether or not you should get birth control coverage. Despite this frustrating and disappointing ruling, we’re doing everything we can to provide affordable birth control access to all — no matter who you work for, where you go to school, how much money you make, or the color of your skin.

What happened?

The Supreme Court upheld Trump Administration rules that allow businesses and universities to deny their employees and students access to insurance that covers birth control for religious or moral reasons. Because of this decision, many more businesses and universities will be able to opt out of providing this critical coverage, pushing essential health care further and further out of reach. This loss won’t hit everyone the same way — it will most impact women, young people, people of color, people with low incomes, and the LGBTQ+ community, further exacerbating existing health care disparities.

What does that mean?

Birth control costs will rise for many people, making it less likely that they will be able to get the contraception they want. A new study from the Texas Policy Evaluation Project found that cost already prevents people from accessing their preferred method of birth control: One in five U.S. women at risk of an unplanned pregnancy would use a different method of contraception if cost were not a factor.

Can I still come to PPGC if I lose my insurance?

Yes. Whether you have private, public, or no insurance, we’re here for you. When it comes to the actual process of getting your birth control, nothing will change — in fact, thanks to telehealth, it’s easier than ever. All patients seeking birth control will be seen virtually (unless you’re unable to access a device), and curbside pill pickup is now available at all Texas health centers.

Call 1-800-230-PLAN to schedule an appointment (or, if you’re an existing PPGC patient, use the patient portal) via telehealth. During your virtual visit, a clinician will discuss birth control options and review your medical history to ensure you’re a candidate for the method you choose.

How much will it cost?

The initial birth control visit is $58 for new patients and $45 for established patients. (Birth control can also be prescribed at an annual wellness visit and during most any other visit with a clinician.) Additional costs vary depending on which form of birth control you choose:

• Pills: Option to have your prescription sent to a pharmacy or purchase via curbside pill pickup. Cost: $10-25/pack (Texas only)

• Patch and ring: Prescription is sent to pharmacy; PPGC does not control price.

• Depo shot: Option to have your prescription sent to a pharmacy for self-injection or schedule a second appointment to get your injection at any health center (curbside Depo shots offered at Prevention Park, Baton Rouge, and New Orleans). Cost: $135/injection, effective for 3 months

• Implants and IUDs: Schedule a second appointment for insertion in a health center. Cost: Starts at $1,357; some limited-availability financial assistance available for eligible patients in Texas.

Click here to learn more about birth control methods. For a full list of our services during COVID-19, click here.