Contraceptive services available
VERMONT – Under the Affordable Care Act, health insurance plans must provide coverage at no cost to consumers for contraceptive services and supplies, including the full range of prescription birth control, counseling, treatment of complications, and any other related services. Birth control can include options such as birth control pills, IUD insertion and removal, emergency contraception, and sterilization procedures such as tubal ligation.
In light of the US Supreme Court’s recent decision limiting access to reproductive health care in parts of the country, the Department of Financial Regulation wants to ensure that Vermonters understand their rights to this important coverage.
Vermont now allows certain pharmacists, as well as other health care providers, to prescribe the pill, patch, ring, and emergency oral contraceptives, providing additional new avenues for Vermonters to obtain no-cost contraceptives at pharmacies. Additionally, Vermonters have access to a full, 12-month supply of contraceptives which can be dispensed all at once, saving individuals additional trips to the pharmacy for refills. Vasectomies for non-high-deductible health plans are also covered for Vermonters with no out-of-pocket expense.
While health insurance plans are required to cover all methods of birth control, they may only cover certain brands or generic versions with no out-of-pocket cost. DFR recommends checking with health insurers to understand exactly what is covered.
As for consumer resources, Vermonters can visit www.healthvermont.gov/children-youth-families/family-planning-pregnancy/... for more information on birth control and family planning.
The Office of the Health Care Advocate is a free resource for Vermonters who have questions about health insurance. Those who have received an insurance denial or have questions about an insurance benefit can contact the HCA for confidential help. Call the HCA’s HelpLine at (800) 917-7787 or visit www.vtlawhelp.org/health to submit an online help request. DFR is available to assist Vermonters with health insurance issues. Vermonters are encouraged to contact the consumer services team if they have any questions or issues. Call (800) 964-1784 or email dfr.insuranceinfo@vermont.gov.
