5 Things Every Woman Should Know About Birth Control Coverage

Since the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that bosses can deny their employees birth control coverage, it’s more important than ever for women to know the facts about health insurance, birth control, and coverage in the United States. Here are the most important points to know, and how to talk to your boss about them.

1. Most women are still covered.

   Insurance plans still have to cover birth control without copay. The Supreme Court gave some employers the right to refuse to use health plans that cover birth control for their employees, but the ruling didn’t strike down the birth control benefit entirely.

   It’s not yet clear how many employers will refuse to cover birth control, but you can see the list of 82 employers who are trying not to cover it.

2. All methods of birth control are covered.

   The birth control benefit requires insurance companies to cover all FDA-approved birth control methods for free, without copay. These methods include pills, implants, and IUDs.

   While insurance plans have to cover all methods, they don’t have to cover all brands. Call your insurance carrier to ask if it covers your preferred brand.

3. Generally, employers have to notify you if they decide to end coverage.

   Changes usually take effect at the start of the new plan year.

4. Women who work at religiously affiliated nonprofits still get coverage.

   Churches don’t have to use health plans that provide coverage for birth control, but if you work for a religiously affiliated nonprofit organization (like a Catholic hospital or a Christian university), you are still legally entitled to get birth control for free, with no copay.

5. If your employer stops covering birth control, Planned Parenthood can help you with options.

   Go to plannedparenthood.org to find a health center in your state/zip code. Planned Parenthood health centers provide a range of affordable birth control options for women, regardless of whether they have insurance coverage.

Tags: Hobby Lobby, Contraception, birth control