WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) – Opill is the first FDA approved, over-the-counter birth control pill in the country.
You can get it without a doctor’s visit, without a prescription, and now, for those with Medicaid, you can get it at no cost in North Carolina.
“By having Medicaid be able to cover the cost of Opill, this gives people one more point of access to contraception,” State Health Director Dr. Elizabeth Cuervo Tilson said.
Dr. Tilson worked alongside Governor Roy Cooper to expand access in the state.
“North Carolina is working to expand access to health care and that includes the freedom to make decisions about family planning,” Governor Cooper said in an announcement Wednesday. “Making birth control easier to get is an important goal and I’m glad that NC Medicaid can take this step.”
Dr. Tilson says it’s already at a low cost of $20 for a one-month supply.
“But, for some of our Medicaid patients, that’s even enough of a financial barrier. This way they can get it with no cost,” she explained.
Opill is a progestin-only pill. Dr. Tilson says that means it’s safe for most women.
“FDA did approve Opill to be safe and effective, and to make sure that they felt that people would have the right information or enough information from reading the labels on the box. But, you need to make sure you’re taking it every day no matter what,” she said.
She says the goal is to make sure everyone can have the resources they need to make the best decisions for themselves.
“In North Carolina, more than half of pregnancies are unintended. Unintended pregnancies can increase the risk of poor outcomes for the moms and babies. We’re really working hard on making sure people have the tools and resources so they can plan the right time for them to become a parent,” she said.
The FDA approved Opill for anyone who has a period, so there’s no age requirement to buy it.
Dr. Tilson stressed the importance of taking Opill at the same time everyday to ensure it’s effectiveness.
NC Medicaid began covering Opill at pharmacies statewide on Aug 1, 2024.
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