Buzz
In eight states and Washington, DC, pharmacists are authorized to prescribe birth control, allowing individuals to obtain contraceptives directly from a pharmacy without a doctor's prescription. This includes options like pills, patches, shots, and vaginal rings, often providing up to a year's supply in one visit.
The states where this is permitted are California, Colorado, Hawaii, Maryland, New Mexico, Oregon, Tennessee, and Washington. It’s important to note that this process differs from over-the-counter availability. A prescription is still required, and a pharmacist must conduct an examination, including checking blood pressure, due to potential health risks associated with birth control for individuals with hypertension.
A consultation with the pharmacist is necessary, which may involve a fee ranging from $0 to $50, as noted by pharmacist Sally Rafie. While the consultation fee varies, health insurance typically covers the cost of the prescription itself. Additionally, in states like California, Colorado, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Nevada, New York, Oregon, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and Washington DC, insurance is mandated to cover a full year’s supply of birth control.
Not every pharmacy in these states offers this service, even where it’s legally allowed. To help individuals find participating pharmacies, Rafie and her pharmacist colleagues developed the Birth Control Pharmacies map. While not comprehensive, the map lists over 250 pharmacies across California, Colorado, Hawaii, Oregon, and Washington.
For those residing outside the specified states, obtaining a birth control prescription without an in-person doctor’s visit is still possible. Various online platforms connect you with a healthcare provider via video consultations or simple forms, allowing prescriptions to be mailed directly to you.
