As part of NCDHHS and the Governor's continued work to expand access to reproductive health services, NC Medicaid now covers over-the-counter contraception in pharmacies across the state. Starting Thursday, August 1, 2024, the oral contraceptive Opill is available through local and retail pharmacies without a prescription, at no cost for NC Medicaid beneficiaries. Opill is the first over-the-counter oral contraception that has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
North Carolina Session Law 2021-110/HB 96 grants authority to pharmacists to prescribe a variety of contraception under protocols approved by the NC Board of Pharmacy and the NC Medical Board. NC Medicaid began enrolling pharmacists as providers in January 2024. To date, there are more than 330 retail and commercial pharmacies in 92 counties providing contraceptive services. The Department will continue to work to expand the level of access to contraceptive services in communities statewide.
More information about coverage for Opill is available in the NC Medicaid bulletin. To find a pharmacy providing pharmacy-initiated contraceptive services in North Carolina, visit ncpharmacyfinder.com.
Source: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/news/press-releases/2024/07/31/governor-cooper-announces-nc-medicaid-will-cover-oral-contraceptive-opill-pharmacies-statewide
For those without health insurance, the out of pocket cost of Opill can range from around $20.00 for one month supply, and about $50.00 for a three month pack from retail pharmacies like Walgreens, Target and Wal-mart.
Source: Walgreens.com, Target.com, Walmart.com
