How to Get Emergency Contraception

How much do emergency contraceptive pills cost?

The cost of emergency
contraceptive pills ("morning
after pills" or "day after pills") can vary a lot
depending on where you get them, so be sure to call around and ask about costs up
front. In the United States, Plan B One-Step and its generic forms (like Take Action and Next Choice One Dose) are now available directly on the shelf (check the family planning aisle) to consumers of any age – you don’t need to show ID.

EC costs anywhere from $35 to $60 at pharmacies. The generic pills (like Next Choice One Dose and Take Action ) generally cost about 10-15% less than Plan B One-Step. To read a 2013 report from the American Society for Emergency Contraception on the price of EC in the US, click here.

The least expensive option for purchasing EC is probably a family planning clinic. Another affordable option in the US is www.afterpill.com. AfterPill is an FDA-approved generic form of Plan B One-Step, and it is sold for $20 + $5 shipping. Be aware that they do not offer expedited shipping, so it’s not intended for emergency use – but it’s a good option to know about if you’d like to keep EC on hand just in case you need it.

ella may cost at least $50 at the pharmacy, but it is a prescription-only product and is often covered by insurance – be sure to call your insurance company to see if ella is covered. You can also order ella online through KwikMed or prjktruby for $67, including next-day delivery. This service will transfer a prescription to your local pharmacy for a fee of $35 (and then you have to pay whatever that pharmacy charges for the pill).

The new health care law requires that insurance companies cover the full range of FDA-approved contraceptive methods without extra charges, like co-pays. But your plan may not cover every brand of EC, or over-the-counter products. The best way to find out of EC is covered under your plan is to call your insurance company. To learn more, click here.