Combination birth control pills contain a combination of estrogen and progestin, while the "mini pill" contains only progestin. Both are designed to prevent pregnancy; the "mini pill" is slightly less effective but is tolerated better by some women. The pill is one of the most popular methods of birth control, but is sometimes prescribed to help stabilize irregular menstrual cycles, to lessen menstrual cramps, to decrease the risk of anemia associated with heavy periods, and for other medical reasons.
Typical costs:
For patients not covered by health insurance, birth control pills typically cost $20 to $50 a month.
For patients covered by health insurance, out-of-pocket costs typically consist of a prescription drug copay. Most insurance plans offer the lowest copays on generic medication -- usually $5 to $15 -- and higher copays of $30 to $40 for non-preferred brands.
Birth control pills, the most commonly covered contraceptive, are covered by more than 80 percent of health insurance plans, according to the Association of Reproductive Health Professionals. And in some states, it's mandatory; the Kaiser Family Foundation lists 33 states that require coverage of birth control.
Standard combination birth control pills -- for example, Yasmin and Ortho Tricyclen are taken on a 28-day cycle.
Extended-cycle pills are designed to be taken continuously for three months; however, many women experience spotting or breakthrough bleeding while taking extended-cycle pills.
There are more than 40 brands of birth control pills available in the United States, each with slightly different doses or forms of hormones. Because women's bodies can react to even slight changes in formulation, sometimes several brands will have to be tried, with the help of a doctor, to get the fewest negative side effects -- such as mood changes or weight gain -- or the desired positive side effects -- such as better skin and less menstrual cramping.
Birth control pills are 98 to 99 percent effective when taken exactly as directed -- at the same time every day without missing a day. Vomiting before the hormones get into your system also can lower effectiveness. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration offers a chart comparing risks and effectiveness rates of various forms of birth control.
Additional costs:
Birth control pills are available only with a prescription; getting one requires visiting a doctor for a pelvic exam and sexually transmitted disease tests. This can cost $35 to $200, or a copay of $10 to $30 for patients covered by health insurance.
Discounts:
Clinics such as those operated by Planned Parenthood offer discounted birth control pills to women who qualify. And most college campus health centers do the same for enrolled students.
In most states, Wal-Mart, Target and Kroger pharmacies offer a limited selection of generic birth control pills for $9 per month.
Birth control pills are not recommended for women who have had blood clots, have serious heart or liver disease, have had breast or uterine cancer, or are over 35 and smoke.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, risks include dizziness, nausea, changes in cycle, changes in mood, weight gain, high blood pressure, blood clots, heart attack and stroke.
Material on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult your physician or pharmacist regarding medications or medical procedures.
I was on ortho tri-cyclen Lo before I lost my dads insurance.. Good ol tri are prime!! With insurance I was paying $17 a month.. Once I lost my insurance Cvs said it was 131.99 a month! I was better off paying 106 a month for insurance! And sams club said $145.00. So I talked to my doctor that gave me the prescription and she called around to find a less expensive one and have me a new rx. Thank goodness cause $132 by 28 pills is 4 almost 5 dollars a pill per day!! I should pick up smoking a pack a day haha geez! Now I'm on mircogestin at a wonderful 11.99 a month.
My insurance never covered BC. When I started in 2004 , Yasmin was $36. Then every year it crept up $10-$20 after the first of the year. When it hit $168 at the cheapest place in town my doc switched me to Ocella, which is 'generic' Yaz. I think its the lawsuits that jacks up the price.