New HHS clarification on ACA contraceptive coverage requirement specifies that insurance plans must cover at no cost to women all of the 18 contraceptive methods approved by the FDA. If a provider recommends a specific option or product, plans must cover it at no cost as well.
| Minimum Contraceptive Coverage Requirements Clarified by HHS Guidance | ||
| Contraceptive Method | Products/Options | Must Cover |
| Surgical sterilization | Also called tubal ligation | √ |
| Implant sterilization | Only Essure available | √ |
| Implantable Rod | Multiple | √ at least 1 |
| IUD – Copper | Only ParaGard available | √ |
| IUD – Progestin | Multiple | √ at least 1 |
| Injection | Multiple | √ at least 1 (may be generic) |
| Oral contraceptives – combined | Multiple | √ at least 1 (may be generic) |
| Oral Contraceptives – progestin only | Multiple | √ at least 1 (may be generic) |
| Oral Contraceptives – extended/continuous use | Multiple | √ at least 1 (may be generic) |
| Patch | Multiple** | √ at least 1 (may be generic) |
| Vaginal Ring | Only NuvaRing available | √ |
| Diaphragm with Spermicide | Only Milex Omniflex available | √ |
| Sponge with Spermicide | Only Today Sponge available | √* |
| Cervical Cap with Spermicide | Only FemCap available | √ |
| Female Condom | Multiple | √* |
| Spermicide alone | Multiple | √ at least 1 (may be generic)* |
| Emergency Contraception-Progestin | Multiple | √ at least 1 (may be generic)* |
| Emergency Contraception- Ulipristal Acetate | Only ella available | √ |
| *Approved for sale over-the-counter but only covered at no cost with a prescription. **The manufacturer of the brand name (OrthoEvra) patch has discontinued production and the generic alternative will be the only patch available. SOURCES: FDA, Birth Control Guide and Depts of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Treasury, FAQs about Affordable Care Act Implementation (Part XXVI). | ||
KFF Headquarters: 185 Berry St., Suite 2000, San Francisco, CA 94107 | Phone 650-854-9400
Washington Offices and Barbara Jordan Conference Center: 1330 G Street, NW, Washington, DC 20005 | Phone 202-347-5270
www.kff.org | Email Alerts: kff.org/email | facebook.com/KFF | twitter.com/kff
The independent source for health policy research, polling, and news, KFF is a nonprofit organization based in San Francisco, California.