Answers to Frequently Asked Questions About…
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.