Buzz
Opill, the first over-the-counter (OTC) birth control pill, was approved last year. It has now made its way to pharmacy shelves, answering many of the questions that arose during its approval. Questions like: How much will it cost? And is it covered by insurance?
How much does Opill cost at retail?
The standard price for Opill is $19.99 per pack on most websites. While some may refer to it as a “monthly” pack, each pack contains only 28 pills, the typical amount for birth control. This means you'll need approximately 13 packs per year.
Some vendors offer single packs at a slightly lower price. At the moment, both Amazon and Walmart have them priced at $18.97, which saves you roughly a dollar.
Is it possible to find a discount on Opill?
Buying in bulk can help you save a few dollars. A three-month pack of Opill costs $49.99, working out to $16.66 per pack.
If you’re uninsured, reside in the U.S., and earn less than 200% of the federal poverty line, you can qualify for Opill manufacturer Perrigo’s assistance program, which offers the medication at a "reduced or no cost." To learn more and sign up, head to the cost assistance program page here.
Will insurance cover the cost of Opill?
It’s possible! Under the Affordable Care Act, insurance plans are generally required to cover birth control pills as part of preventive care. However, the law doesn’t specifically mandate coverage for this particular brand or for over-the-counter pills, so they might not be automatically covered.
If your insurance provider uses CVS Caremark for pharmacy benefits, you’ll be happy to learn that CVS has added Opill to its list of zero-cost contraceptives. Be sure to reach out to your insurance provider for the specifics on your coverage.
A number of states have implemented laws that require insurance to cover over-the-counter birth control, though the specifics vary by state. The Kaiser Family Foundation offers a detailed summary of these state laws here. California, Colorado, Maryland, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, and Washington all have state laws that could potentially apply to Opill. Be sure to check with your insurance company to confirm what coverage is available to you.
