If you use birth control, you might have noticed the price tag drop dramatically—even down to zero. And that's thanks to Obamacare, which, agree with it or not, has made it way easier for women across the country to afford contraception.
Obamacare, which is actually called the Affordable Care Act, mandates that private health insurance plans cover contraception. And that has left women with a lot more spending money. A study published in the journal Health Affairs found that American women are spending more than $1.4 billion less on birth control pills alone since the law was passed.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania analyzed claims data from a national health insurer to figure out how much women were paying out of pocket before and after the Affordable Care Act was put into place. The patients they tracked were women ages 13-45 from all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
And the results were heartening for anyone on a budget, which is everyone. The average consumer cost for a birth control pack fell from $32.74 in 2012 to $20.37 in 2013, and an IUD dropped dramatically, from $262.38 to $84.30. Overall, IUD users saved $248 and women who took the pill saved $255.
But wait: If insurance has to cover birth control without any copay, why are women spending anything at all? That's because not all brands are required to be covered at no cost to the consumer, and some women are still enrolled in health plans that are either "grandfathered in," or exempt for religious reasons.
Either way, cheaper birth control is likely going to have a huge impact on the state of women in America. Colorado's teen birth rate dropped 40% due to a six-year program that distributed free long-acting contraception like IUDs. And these researchers say that women of all ages will benefit. "In the long term, if we do in fact see an increase in the use of contraceptives, that could potentially lead to a lower overall fertility rate, and potentially increased economic opportunities for women and their families," researcher Daniel Polsky said in a statement.
-
Taylor Swift Looked Visibly Emotional Performing a Breakup Song While on TourShe and Matty Healy just called it quits.
-
Princess Kate’s Favorite Tiara Has a Painful Side Effect
Heavy is the head that wears the crown.
-
Prince Harry Reportedly Told King Charles to Be Less Extravagant with Princess Lilibet’s Birthday Gift
The King wanted to go all out for his youngest grandchild.
-
36 Ways Women Still Aren't Equal to Men
It's just one of the many ways women still aren't equal to men.
-
The Secret to Having “It All”? A Society That Actually Supports Women
When asked how I “have it all,” I often cite my own hard work. But the truth is I had access to certain rights and privileges that are now under more attack than ever.
-
EMILY's List President Laphonza Butler Has Big Plans for the Organization
Under Butler's leadership, the largest resource for women in politics aims to expand Black political power and become more accessible for candidates across the nation.
-
Want to Fight for Abortion Rights in Texas? Raise Your Voice to State Legislators
Emily Cain, executive director of EMILY's List and and former Minority Leader in Maine, says that to stop the assault on reproductive rights, we need to start demanding more from our state legislatures.
-
Your Abortion Questions, Answered
Here, MC debunks common abortion myths you may be increasingly hearing since Texas' near-total abortion ban went into effect.
-
The Future of Afghan Women and Girls Depends on What We Do Next
Between the U.S. occupation and the Taliban, supporting resettlement for Afghan women and vulnerable individuals is long overdue.
-
How to Help Afghanistan Refugees and Those Who Need Aid
With the situation rapidly evolving, organizations are desperate for help.
-
It’s Time to Give Domestic Workers the Protections They Deserve
The National Domestic Workers Bill of Rights, reintroduced today, would establish a new set of standards for the people who work in our homes and take a vital step towards racial and gender equity.
