1. Birth control is free for nearly everyone
Under the American Care Act, birth control is covered. Insurers cannot charge you a copay when you go to an in-network provider, even if you haven’t met your deductible. Nearly all forms of birth control are covered as well, including pills, implants, IUDs, sterilization, and emergency contraception like Plan B.
Now, a very important reminder: birth control isn’t just used to prevent pregnancy. Hopefully, you already have a pretty solid understanding of how a uterus and hormones work. If not, then you should at least know that hormones like estrogen and progesterone play a big role in regulating bodily functions. When hormones get out of whack, someone can suffer serious physical and mental consequences.
Hormonal birth control can regulate menstrual cycles and help treat the effects of hormone-related issues. For example, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) typically causes enlarged ovaries with small cysts around the edges. People with PCOS often also deal with physical effects such as weight gain, intense acne, infertility, and depression. Hormone therapy is an important component of treatment for PCOS and other disorders, such as endometriosis. For many, hormone therapy in the form of birth control pills makes a monumental difference in their day to day life and the management of their medical condition.
Furthermore, when people are able to control their fertility, it often results in a net positive effect for not only that individual, but their family and community. For example, a young couple may be better able to manage their financial situation without the significant costs of an unexpected pregnancy.