Is there a free or low cost way to get birth control online?

Yes, there are several excellent free or low-cost ways to get birth control online, making it more accessible than ever. Here are some specific services and why they're good options:

1. Nurx:

   • Why it's good: Nurx is a very popular telehealth platform that allows you to get a prescription and have birth control delivered to your door. They accept most insurance plans, and if you don't have insurance, they offer competitive out-of-pocket prices for consultations and medication, often starting around $15 per pack for generic options. Their consultation fee can be as low as $15-$25 for the initial year, which often includes unlimited messaging with their medical team.
   • How it works: You fill out a health questionnaire, a medical provider reviews it and writes a prescription (if appropriate), and then your birth control is shipped to you discreetly.

2. Planned Parenthood Direct (and local Planned Parenthood health centers):

   • Why it's good: Planned Parenthood is dedicated to providing affordable reproductive healthcare. Their "Planned Parenthood Direct" app (available in many states) allows you to get prescriptions for birth control delivered, or pick them up at a local pharmacy. Their costs are often very low, and they operate on a sliding scale based on your income if you don't have insurance. They also accept most insurance plans.
   • How it works: Use the app to complete an online health assessment, and a provider will review it. If you're eligible, they'll send a prescription to your chosen pharmacy or ship it to you. You can also visit a local Planned Parenthood health center for in-person care, where costs are determined similarly.

3. Twentyeight Health:

   • Why it's good: Similar to Nurx, Twentyeight Health provides online consultations and delivers birth control to your door. They accept many insurance plans, and for those without insurance, they offer affordable cash prices, often starting around $17 per pack for generic birth control. They also partner with organizations to offer free birth control to eligible individuals in certain areas.
   • How it works: Complete an online health questionnaire, get reviewed by a doctor, and have your medication mailed to you.

4. SimpleHealth:

   • Why it's good: Another reliable online provider, SimpleHealth offers easy access to birth control with or without insurance. They work with a wide range of insurance providers, and their out-of-pocket pricing for medication and consultations is generally affordable, with generics often available for under $20 a month.
   • How it works: Fill out a health profile, get a prescription from a licensed medical provider, and receive your birth control in the mail.

Tips for finding the lowest cost:

• Check your insurance: Most of these services accept insurance, which often covers birth control at no or very low cost due to the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
• Compare cash prices: If you don't have insurance, compare the out-of-pocket costs for the online consultation and the actual birth control pills (especially generic options) across different platforms.
• Look for promotions: Many online services offer initial discounts or waived consultation fees for new users.
• Consider state-specific programs: Some states have their own programs or funding to provide free or low-cost birth control. A quick search for "free birth control [your state]" might reveal additional resources.

By using one of these online services, you can conveniently access birth control that is often free with insurance or very affordable without it.