New Study: Two-Thirds of Privately Insured Women Receiving Birth Control With No Out-of-Pocket Costs, Thanks to Birth Control Benefit

WASHINGTON, DC -- Demonstrating the benefits of the Affordable Care Act, a new study published by the nonpartisan Guttmacher Institute revealed that the proportion of privately insured U.S. women who did not pay out-of-pocket costs for oral contraceptive pills rose dramatically from 15 percent to 67 percent between the fall of 2012 and the spring of 2014.

This new study highlights the effectiveness and benefit to millions of American women that no-copay contraceptive care has already had since it was instituted two years ago.

"This study proves that the Affordable Care Act is increasing women's access to basic, preventive health care,” said Cecile Richards, president of Planned Parenthood Action Fund. “This study is an important indication that we should be fighting to keep and expand this important benefit, rather than denying women access or charging them hundreds of dollars out-of-pocket for this important care because of their boss’ personal beliefs.

“The study underscores just how many women across the country have personally benefitted from no-copay birth control – and we know that on November 4^th, these women will vote for the candidates who want to protect this important economic and health benefit.”

Below are some key findings in the study:

Between fall 2012 and spring 2014, the proportion of privately insured women paying zero dollars out-of-pocket for oral contraceptives increased substantially, from 15% to 67%.
Similar changes occurred among privately insured women using the shot (from 27% to 59%), the ring (from 20% to 74%) and IUDs (from 45% to 62%).
Among privately insured women using the pill in fall 2012, the mean out-of-pocket payment was $14.35 and the median was $10; by spring 2014, the mean had declined to $6.48 and the median has fallen to $0 (which would indicate that more than half are getting it with no cost-sharing).