Why is it that birth control pills....?

Question

are not covered by most insurances, but Viagra is? This does not make sense to me.

Answer 1

It used to be that way. I thought it changed for most companies. Either way, have your Dr. prescribe it for something other than birth control, like, painful menses, or PCOS, or whatever. Then they have to cover it... or so I've been told!!

Answer 2

Many insurance companies now cover birth control pills but the employer probably has not elected that as part of the coverage package.

I have been covered by 4 different insurance companies over the past 7 years and only one had not covered the pill. However, IUDs, Depo-Provera, and diaphrams were covered under all of them. The one that did not cover the pill only did not because my employer chose to keep it out of our health package to keep premiums down.

Answer 3

most insurance these days covers birth control. they might not offer the exact pill you want, but i'm sure there is another comparable. have you discussed this with your doctor?

another option is to go to planned parenthood. they offer things at a sliding scale. great place!

Answer 4

When that is the case (sometimes it is, sometimes it isn't), the explanation is that Viagra is prescribed to treat a disease (erectile dysfunction), while birth control just prevents pregnancy--and pregnancy isn't a disease.

Answer 5

I've never had insurance reject birth control for anyone I know.

Answer 6

They ARE covered by HMOs. My HMO covers birth control pills. I have Aetna.

Answer 7

I had no idea that this was the case
but this could definately be fought on a discriminatory level ...
as an act AGAINST women... don't you think.