White House Proposes Free Over-the-Counter Contraception for Private Insurance Holders

The Biden administration proposed a new rule Monday allowing individuals with private health insurance to obtain over-the-counter contraception, including condoms, birth control pills, and the “morning after” pill, at no cost. Currently, insurers are required to cover prescription contraception, but this proposal would extend free access to non-prescription methods.

Vice President Kamala Harris, whose campaign focuses on expanding women’s health care access, emphasized the proposal as part of a broader effort to protect reproductive rights following the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn national abortion rights. Jennifer Klein, director of the White House Gender Policy Council, stated that the initiative reaffirms the administration’s commitment to ensuring women can make personal health care decisions.

The rule would also make emergency contraceptives like Plan B, typically costing $50 without a prescription, available for free. Additionally, it would cover Opill, the first over-the-counter birth control pill approved by the FDA, which costs $20 for a month’s supply.

This proposal builds on the Affordable Care Act’s mandate for insurers to cover prescription contraception but will not affect Medicaid, where states set their own rules on contraceptive coverage.