Comment from Ibis Reproductive Health on Request for Information: Coverage of Over-the-Counter Preventive Services

“We are writing as leaders and supporters of Ibis Reproductive Health, a global research organization, to provide supplemental information to the letter you have received from members of the Free the Pill coalition. Ibis has convened the Free the Pill coalition (formerly known as the Oral Contraceptives Over the Counter Working Group) since 2004 to build the evidence in support of OTC birth control pills in the United States and we are committed to ensuring more equitable access to safe, effective, and affordable birth control to people of all ages, backgrounds, and identities.

…We urge the Departments to pursue every opportunity to prioritize consumers’ healthcare needs by minimizing cost barriers. We encourage the Administration to work with and learn from state advocates who have paved the way for OTC coverage for contraception by passing laws in eight states and who have valuable insights on what is needed to successfully implement coverage. Further, we see value in applying the recommendations outlined in this letter to support the implementation of OTC coverage for preventive products beyond contraception that are crucial for advancing health outcomes.”

— Kelly Blanchard, Ibis Reproductive Health President
Robyn Elliott, Free the Pill consultant
Victoria Nichols, Free the Pill Project Director
Britt Wahlin, Ibis Reproductive Health Vice President for Development and Public Affairs