Over-The-Counter

Why We’re Skeptical of Conservative Support for Over-the-Counter Contraception

By Sarah Christopherson | Feb 12, 2020 | Comments Off on Why We’re Skeptical of Conservative Support for Over-the-Counter Contraception

Should we be thrilled that conservatives are embracing over-the-counter access for birth control? When something seems too good to be true, it usually is.

Should My Insurance Provider Cover My Emergency Contraception?

By Shaniqua Seth | Jan 23, 2017 | Comments Off on Should My Insurance Provider Cover My Emergency Contraception?

Insurance companies are not required to cover OTC contraceptives if your doctor does not prescribe them. As a result, if you buy Plan B without a prescription, you will have to pay full price.

History Made for Contraceptive Coverage!

By NWHN Staff | May 23, 2016 | Comments Off on History Made for Contraceptive Coverage!

Today, a woman buying emergency contraception over the counter will spend between $35 and $60. But in Maryland starting in 2018, she’ll be able to use her private insurance for any FDA-approved over-the-counter (OTC) contraceptive drug—with no copays!

#FreeThePill: What Does That Actually Mean?

By NWHN Staff | Nov 13, 2015 | Comments Off on #FreeThePill: What Does That Actually Mean?

Visiting Twitter, you might have seen the hashtag #freethepill. You might have jumped to a conclusion, thinking you knew what it meant. I know, some of you are probably thinking it means to make the pill (birth control) free… but not quite.

Politics & Women’s Health: Navigating the Year Ahead

By Cindy Pearson | Aug 3, 2015 | Comments Off on Politics & Women’s Health: Navigating the Year Ahead

I’ve been thinking a lot about weather lately — bad weather. A big storm can make getting around difficult, disrupt our plans, and delay our arrival at our intended destination. Doesn’t that sound like what we’ve experienced recently with the politics of women’s health?

As Long as it Takes

By Cindy Pearson | Jul 5, 2013 | Comments Off on As Long as it Takes

I’m writing this just a few hours after the U.S. Department of Justice announced that it will no longer fight the court order that required the Federal government to remove age limits for purchasing over-the-counter (OTC) Emergency Contraception (EC). While…

Sleep Talking

By Laura Kaplan | Jul 1, 2013 | Comments Off on Sleep Talking

For people over age 60, insomnia is the most common medical problem and can lead to poor quality of life, accidents, falls, and illness. Sleep problems are reported more commonly in women than in men.

Springtime: Hope Helps, But It’s Not Enough

By Cindy Pearson | May 1, 2013 | Comments Off on Springtime: Hope Helps, But It’s Not Enough

“Hope springs eternal.” I always wondered exactly what was meant by that old saying. Does it mean that hope is like spring — it always comes back? Or, maybe it reflects the positive impact we feel when we see the promise of the natural world flourish anew in springtime.

Medicaid Coverage of Plan B Over the Counter: New York State’s Experience

By NWHN Staff | May 1, 2009 | Comments Off on Medicaid Coverage of Plan B Over the Counter: New York State’s Experience

Advocates fought for years to make emergency contraception available over-the-counter so that women could have convenient and timely access to this contraceptive option when they needed it. But removing the prescription requirement created a new barrier for some women.