Comment from Ibis Reproductive Health on Proposed Rule: Enhancing Coverage of Preventative Services Under the Affordable Care Act

“Ibis Reproductive Health has convened the Free the Pill coalition (formerly known as the Oral Contraceptives Over the Counter Working Group) since 2004 to build the evidence and advocacy in support of bringing oral contraceptives OTC in the United States and ensuring more equitable access to safe, effective, and affordable birth control for people of all ages, backgrounds, and identities. These efforts led to the first-ever OTC birth control pill, Opill, which became available nationwide this year. The availability of a safe, effective OTC birth control pill has the potential to increase access for many individuals who need birth control, including those not currently using any contraception….

Overall, we offer our support for the Administration’s proposed changes to federal regulation, including requiring health plans to cover OTC contraceptives without a prescription or cost-sharing and requiring plans to inform enrollees about this OTC contraceptive coverage requirement. This proposed rule would greatly enhance contraceptive access for Americans across the country.”

— Kelly Blanchard