The New Over-the-Counter Oral Contraceptive Pill — Assessing Financial Barriers to Access

This perspective examines the financial and systemic barriers to accessing Opill, the first FDA approved over-the-counter (OTC) oral contraceptive pill in the U.S. While OTC availability could improve contraceptive access, uncertainties about pricing, insurance coverage (including Medicaid), and legal challenges to the Affordable Care Act’s preventive care mandate may limit its impact. The authors highlight disparities in access for uninsured and marginalized populations and call for legislative action to ensure cost free coverage of OTC contraceptives. The article underscores the need for policy clarity to translate OTC approval into equitable reproductive healthcare access.

This perspective examines the financial and systemic barriers to accessing Opill, the first FDA approved over-the-counter (OTC) oral contraceptive pill in the U.S. While OTC availability could improve contraceptive access, uncertainties about pricing, insurance coverage (including Medicaid), and legal challenges to the Affordable Care Act’s preventive care mandate may limit its impact. The authors highlight disparities in access for uninsured and marginalized populations and call for legislative action to ensure cost free coverage of OTC contraceptives. The article underscores the need for policy clarity to translate OTC approval into equitable reproductive healthcare access.