Minimum Contraceptive Coverage Requirements Clarified by HHS Guidance

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).

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