Affordability & Access Policy Hub
The Free the Pill Affordability and Access Policy Hub (Policy Hub), a subgroup of the Free the Pill coalition, aims to advance equitable access to over-the-counter (OTC) birth control pills in the Unites States through policy, practice, and systems change.
Originally established as The Free the Pill Affordability Mini Policy Table in 2022, this group was designed to convene experts in the reproductive health policy and reproductive justice fields to ensure alignment on what is needed to make OTC oral contraceptives (OCs) affordable and accessible; advise on clear, concrete policy asks where possible; and identify other areas for advocacy to support OTC OCs. After a series of strategy convenings in 2022, and in recognition of emerging workgroups focused on advancing OC-OTC access and affordability, the Policy Table was transitioned into a “Hub” to encourage information sharing and learning among technical policy experts, Reproductive Justice counterparts and other state and federal advocates. The Policy Hub is convened quarterly and functions to ensure that policy work relevant to OTC birth control access is informed by a range of constituents and centers emerging community needs.
The Policy Hub is committed to Reproductive Justice values, applying a youth-adult partnership approach, and centering the leadership of those who face the greatest barriers to contraceptive care and could benefit the most from easier access to birth control.
The Policy Hub has three main goals:
Share and amplify information on emerging policy and access issues relevant to OTC contraception access to inform policy priorities for the Free the Pill campaign, coalition, and allied groups advancing similar goals.
Shape and inform ongoing policy and advocacy efforts relevant to OTC birth control access and affordability, including work to expand access through OTC contraceptive coverage, federally supported systems of care, government bulk purchasing, product distribution, and other practices.
Align and inform strategies for engagement with public officials and representatives at the state and federal levels to support equitable access in all communities.
To learn more about the Affordability and Access Policy Hub and how you can support ongoing efforts to expand equitable access to OTC contraceptives on both state and federal levels, please contact us.
Membership is open to Free the Pill coalition members, allied coalitions, and invited guest speakers only.
Affordability and Access Policy Hub+
Approximately twice a year, Free the Pill will host Policy Hub+ meetings which are open to a broader range of allied organizations and policymakers who are interested in advancing equitable access to OTC birth control. These meetings are an opportunity for leaders and organizations that are not members of the Free the Pill coalition to learn about ways to drive OTC affordability and coverage forward through policy and advocacy. The Policy Hub+ seeks to create a collaborative cross-sector space for those within and outside of the repro movement to exchange expertise, build partnerships, and strengthen collective action to advance equitable access to OTC birth control. If you are interested in receiving invitations for upcoming Policy Hub+ meetings, please fill out this form.
Resources
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State-level OTC coverage toolkit and model legislation
In collaboration with Free the Pill coalition member organization, National Health Law Program (NHeLP), Free the Pill created a toolkit to support states in advancing legislation for insurance coverage of over-the-counter (OTC) contraceptives with no prescription or cost-sharing requirements.
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Free the pill and cover it, too: Strategies for making OTC birth control coverage work in the real world
This report from Free the Pill’s OTC Contraceptive Coverage Collaborative details recommendations for advocates, policymakers, retailers, pharmacists, insurers, and pharmacy benefit managers in implementing coverage of OTC birth control products.
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Priorities to support OTC birth control affordability and access
Now that there's an OTC daily birth control pill available in the US, Free the Pill is mobilizing to advance a series of advocacy priorities that will ensure affordability and equitable access to OTC birth control pills. This strategic roadmap is grounded in reproductive health and justice values, and is designed to maximize policy outcomes.
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States with over-the-counter contraceptive coverage laws
In 2016, Free the Pill began working with state advocates in Maryland, the first state to enact an OTC contraceptive coverage law. Since then, more states have followed. To understand the OTC contraceptive coverage landscape in each state, two factors should be considered: coverage requirements by type of insurance plan and types of contraception covered. Learn more about these two factors and which states currently have OTC contraceptive coverage laws in this fact sheet.