Birth control as preventative health care

I remember going to pick up my first RX for the pill (in 1997) and learning my insurance didn't cover it. I was surprised. Adding a child to an insurance policy is surely more expensive than covering the monthly charge.

I personally would not have an abortion, but I also would not infringe on someone else's right to obtain one if they so wished or needed one.

I'm at the age now where taking the pill is not recommended, so I simply buy condoms now.

Thanks Jeanne- I actually am curious to know if condoms will be included. Like you said, for some people they are the best or only option and certainly aren't always affordable, especially if they are your main means of birth control. There are people in America who can't pay co pays for life saving medication, so certainly condoms can be an added burden for some.

The report says all FDA approved birth control. I guess we will have to wait and see. If I come across an answer I will definitely make it known to my readers.

Correct me if I'm wrong. I was under the impression that women had access to pill, patch, shot, and even the IUD through "Red Door" Clinics.

What puzzles me is why vasectomy isn't covered. It is the most logical, least complicated option out there. It is reversible and the only side effect prevents pregnancy. Yet, nobody ever talks about it. Whereas, the medications they want women to take have a shopping list of side effects - one of which is death.

Thank you for your post Deb. I had to do a little checking because I honestly had never heard of a "red door clinic". Turns out they are not nation wide.

Many insurance companies do cover vasectomy as well as several types of female sterilization, including non-invasive types. Medicaid often covers them as well.

In May of this year, I actually went through one of these procedures myself. I have a test yet to go through soon, to make sure the procedure was a success. I plan on doing an article on it as soon as the results come back.

Medicaid covered my procedure.

I hope that Planned Parenthood programs get back more meat on their bones. In my opinion is was a huge social setback to remove birth control education and options to the public.

I was unaware that Red Door was not nationwide. Unexpected knowledge - ah those are titillating moments.