The first over-the-counter birth control pill, Opill, will soon be accessible without a prescription. Starting this month, it can be purchased online and in pharmacies for affordable prices. A monthly supply will be priced at $19.99, while a three-month supply will cost $49.99. For those looking to stock up, a six-month supply will be available for $89.99. Perrigo, the company behind Opill, made this announcement on Monday.
Opill is being lauded as a potential game-changer in terms of accessibility to birth control. It removes the need for women to find a doctor who can provide a prescription, a task that can be expensive or burdensome depending on their location and health insurance coverage.
The Food and Drug Administration determined the drug to be safe and effective for over-the-counter use in July, after it had already been on the market for 50 years as a prescription birth control.
You can expect to find it soon at major retailers like CVS and Walgreens across the country. Additionally, you will be able to order directly from Opill’s website. Preorders will be available starting this week at select retailers.
The accessibility of Opill will be greatly influenced by its cost.
Insurance plans are required by the Affordable Care Act to provide coverage for prescription birth control. However, when it comes to birth control without a prescription, the laws vary from state to state, creating a new and unfamiliar landscape.
If you don’t have insurance or prefer not to use it for privacy reasons, you will need to cover the cost of $15-20 per month out of pocket, depending on the monthly supply plan you choose.
According to a recent survey conducted by KFF in November 2022, approximately 39% of women expressed their willingness to pay between $1-10 per month for birth control. However, the percentage slightly decreases to 34% for those who would be willing to pay $11-20 per month.
According to a recent study, approximately 11% of women reported being unwilling or unable to cover the cost of over-the-counter birth control pills.
Opill has announced that it will be launching a cost-assistance program in the near future. This program aims to support low-income individuals who do not have health insurance, providing them with access to Opill at a reduced or even no cost.
