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). | ||